| 2023/03/17 |
Media Statement GAUTENG – Tashinga Nyasha Masinire, who was arrested by members of the Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation with the assistance of customs officials at OR Tambo International (ORTIA) after he landed from neighbouring Zimbabwe, has now been sentenced. On Friday, 08 May 2021, Masinire with his luggage was subjected to a random search which uncovered 23 gold bars concealed in a box of whiskey. He was arrested and consequently appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court where he was granted R100 000 bail. During the Hawks’ follow-up investigation, it emerged that Masinire submitted representations with fabricated information in a bid to have the case withdrawn. After he realised that the case presented by the investigators had no loopholes, he elected to plead guilty on 23 February 2023. His bail was revoked thereafter and on Monday, 13 March 2023, the Kemptonpark Magistrate's Court sentenced Masinire for contravening the Customs and Excise Act, failure to declare goods. The court imposed a R40 000 fine with an option of two years’ direct imprisonment. The gold bars worth millions of rands have since been forfeited to the State. The Gauteng Provincial Head of the Hawks Major General, Ebrahim Kadwa has lauded the investigators for their diligence and dedication in the case. Ends
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