Police Commissioner in Limpopo applauds tough sentences in cigarette smuggling and stolen vehicle cases
POLOKWANE – The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has welcomed the hefty sentences handed down this week by the three Courts, Polokwane Commercial Crimes Court, Polokwane Regional Court and Giyani Commercial Crimes Court.
Between Tuesday, 11 November 2025 and Thursday, 13 November 2025, three courts convicted seven accused on charges relating to the smuggling and dealing in illicit cigarettes, as well as for possession of a stolen motor vehicle, following separate incidents in Mogwadi, Hoedspruit and Westernburg policing areas.
Detective Sergeant Choene Mokwele from the Provincial Investigation Unit worked tirelessly to put together compelling cases until all accused were brought to book and subsequently slapped with heavy jail terms.
Polokwane Commercial Crimes Court sentenced Bingo Mkhwanazi (40) to 2 years’ imprisonment or a R10 000 fine for possession of illicit cigarettes.
The accused was found driving a Toyota Quantum loaded with illicit cigarettes worth R500 000.00 along Dendron Road. The accused was arrested on 27 August 2015.
The vehicle was forfeited to the state, and he was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
In Giyani Commercial Crime Court, the accused Khomborarei Runyare (36) was sentenced
to 5 years’ imprisonment or a R200 000.00 fine for dealing in illicit cigarettes and was declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The second accused Kaba Duda (39) was sentenced: to 5 years’ imprisonment or a R300 000.00 fine and was declared unfit to possess a firearm
The court noted that on 24 April 2025, the accused were found driving a Hyundai 4-ton truck with a false compartment, containing illicit cigarettes valued at R351 000.00.
The truck was forfeited to the state In addition, Giyani Commercial Crimes Court sentenced three accused for dealing in illicit cigarettes as follows: 1. Arthur Nhlanhla Billy, aka “Sefelane Sentences to 5 years’ imprisonment or a R50 000 fine, also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
2. Tafirei Chineka (30) sentenced to 3 years’ imprisonment or an R20 000.0 fine and was declared unfit to possess a firearm.
3. Sheppard Ndlovu (39) Sentenced to 3 years’ imprisonment or an R20 000.00 fine. Additional 1 year or R5 000.00 for being an illegal immigrant and to be deported after serving sentence
The accused were arrested near Hoedspruit on 24 April 2025, in a Toyota Hilux Legend 50 carrying illicit cigarettes valued at R36 000.00. The vehicle was forfeited to the state.
Lastly, Polokwane Regional Court sentenced Keaobaka Mabiletsa (29), to 7 years’ imprisonment or an R100 000.00 fine for possession of stolen motor vehicle and was declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The Court heard that, on 18 May 2025, the accused was found driving a stolen Toyota Corolla Cross valued at R500 000.00 on the N1 near Polokwane Shell Ultra City, and the vehicle was reported stolen in Sunnyside, Gauteng.
Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe praised the Provincial Investigation Unit and the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit for their dedication, saying their diligent work ensured that all accused were brought to book and received harsher jail terms.
Police Commissioner in Limpopo applauds tough sentences in cigarette smuggling and stolen vehicle caseshttps://t.co/vt0JLddyzU#ArriveAlive #Crime @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/ZsxFWBtpFu
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) November 15, 2025
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