Truck driver fined R20k after diverting R2,5m truck-load of tobacco

Zim Now Writer

A Zimbabwean truck driver Spencer Shoke (33) escaped with a R20 000 fine after appearing before the Benoni Magistrates Court.

Shoke was convicted of diversion of goods worth over R3,5 million. “The truck and trailer worth over R2,5 million were forfeited to the State as well as the goods, raw tobacco,” said Lumka Mahanjana, spokesperson of the National Prosecuting Authority in Gauteng.

Shoke was arrested by the South African Police Service (SPAS) flying squad on October 25 for delivering raw tobacco at a facility in Benoni, when it was meant to be delivered to a destination outside the country.

“According to South African Revenue Service regulations, the raw tobacco was to be kept at a customs warehouse in Pretoria, until customs duties of more than R500 000 were paid, or the goods released legally. In court, Shoke pleaded guilty to the charge.

The prosecution had asked the court to impose a sentence of five years or a fine triple the value of the goods.  However, the court noted that Shoke was the driver of the truck, earning US$400 and was the breadwinner for his family.

A South African national, Ishmael Bhamjee (37), who was at the warehouse where the raw tobacco was delivered had charges against him withdrawn after Shoke took responsibility for the offence.

“Criminal investigations are ongoing against the importer of the tobacco,” added Mahanjana.