Friday 12 June 2026 – Tax Justice South Africa (TJSA) has called for an urgent and comprehensive investigation into alleged links between senior law enforcement figures and the illicit cigarette trade following explosive revelations contained in court papers before the Madlanga Commission.
The papers contain WhatsApp exchanges and evidence suggesting a close relationship between Major-General Feroz Khan and cigarette kingpin Mohamed Sayed, chief operating officer of Carnilinx Tobacco.
Among the most disturbing allegations are threats against TJSA founder Yusuf Abramjee after he publicly exposed concerns about illicit cigarette sales that are depriving South Africa of more than R30 billion in vital tax revenue yearly.
“These revelations should shock every South African,” said Abramjee. “If the allegations are proven, they point to a deeply troubling situation in which individuals connected to the illicit tobacco trade may have enjoyed access, influence and protection at the highest levels of law enforcement.”
TJSA said the allegations reinforce long-standing concerns that the illicit cigarette trade has become deeply entrenched, sophisticated and politically connected.
Carnilinx is a principal member of the Fair-Trade Independent Tobacco Association (FITA), which is currently fighting SARS’ efforts to install CCTV systems in cigarette factories to improve oversight and combat tax evasion.
“FITA and its members have serious questions to answer,” said Abramjee. “South Africans deserve transparency regarding relationships, influence and interactions within the tobacco industry, particularly where there are allegations involving criminality, corruption and interference with law enforcement.”
TJSA is calling for:
- A dedicated judicial and forensic inquiry into the illicit tobacco trade and its links to organised crime
- The immediate suspension of any officials implicated pending the outcome of investigations
- Comprehensive lifestyle audits and financial investigations into all individuals connected to the allegations
- Enhanced oversight and transparency measures across the tobacco sector
- Strong legal protections for journalists, whistleblowers and investigators exposing corruption and organised crime
- The immediate implementation of SARS monitoring measures, including CCTV systems in cigarette manufacturing facilities.
Three out of every four cigarettes sold in South Africa today are illicit and deprive the fiscus of money that should be funding policing, healthcare, education and essential public services.
“These revelations must become a turning point,” said Abramjee, who has vowed not to be silenced in his anti-crime activities. “For too long, criminal syndicates have treated the illicit tobacco trade as a low-risk, high-reward enterprise. The country now has an opportunity to expose these networks, hold those responsible accountable and restore confidence in the institutions tasked with protecting the public.
“South Africans deserve law enforcement agencies that serve the rule of law, not criminal interests.”
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