LIMPOPO – A 43-year-old man has been fined R1 million after being convicted of dealing in illicit cigarettes worth more than R1 million following an investigation by the Hawks in Limpopo.

Yusuf Muhammed Asmal was convicted by the Polokwane Regional Specialised Commercial Crime Court on 13 October 2026 and sentenced on 21 October.

The court imposed a fine of R1 million or five years’ imprisonment. Of the fine, R300 000, alternatively two years’ imprisonment, was suspended for five years on condition that Asmal is not convicted of possessing illicit cigarettes during that period.

The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

The case originated on 16 September 2021, when South African Police Service (SAPS) highway patrol officers stopped a vehicle driven by Asmal during a patrol on the N11 near Mahwelereng.

Vast quantity of cigarettes confiscated

A search of the vehicle uncovered 73 master cases, 49 cartons and five Remington packs of illicit cigarettes, with an estimated total value exceeding R1 million.

The cigarettes were seized, and Asmal was arrested and detained at Mahwelereng.

The Hawks’ Polokwane Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team investigated the case, which was subsequently transferred to the Polokwane Regional Specialised Commercial Crime Court.

Limpopo Hawks provincial head Major General (Adv.) Gobz Govender welcomed the outcome, saying illegal trade came at a cost to the country.

“This sentence shows that those who break the law will be held accountable. The Hawks will continue to investigate these crimes and protect our economy,” Govender said.

The Hawks reiterated their commitment to investigating illicit trade and holding those involved in such activities accountable.

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