Wednesday 12 November 2025 – Tax Justice SA (TJSA) is urging government to follow through with criminal prosecutions after the tax authority suspended the licences of three cigarette manufacturers in a long-overdue move against illicit trade.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced the move during his Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement in Parliament on Wednesday, saying the government is intensifying its clampdown on criminals looting South Africa of R28 billion a year in tobacco excise taxes alone.
TJSA founder Yusuf Abramjee welcomed the announcement as a positive development but said it must be followed by strong enforcement and arrests.
“This is good news,” said Abramjee. “Government needs to go out in full force and stop the illicit trade that is robbing our nation of revenue and destroying legitimate businesses.
“Revoking these licences is a step in the right direction, but it must be backed by criminal charges and visible action.”
Minister Godongwana also confirmed that Cabinet has approved a plan for all agencies to work together to combat the criminal networks behind illicit trade.
“Now we need to see action,” Abramjee said. “It’s critical that this collaboration produces real results. That means the kingpins involved in the illicit trade must be arrested, charged and put behind bars. And the money they’ve stolen must be returned to the South African people, to whom it belongs.”
Abramjee pointed out that despite the Al Jazeera Gold Mafia exposé almost three years ago, no arrests have been made.
“Many of those implicated in multi-billion-rand money laundering, smuggling and other illegal activities are still enjoying the fortunes they allegedly made through those crimes,” he said. “If government is serious about restoring trust and cleaning up our economy, criminals must face justice.”
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