Yes, Forum, Pegasus and other illicit cigarettes as well as “whiskey sakkies” found in your possession as a member of public or seller, can get you into trouble with the law.
Times are tough out there and everyone, especially the disadvantaged members of society daily must “zula to survive” for a dollar to put bread on the table and kids in schools. Namib Times has witnessed a couple of incidents in Swakopmund where Nampol officers “raided” street vendors and confiscated illegal cigarettes and “whiskey sakkies,” among others. These operations are executed frequently as the Namibian Police Force are trying to kerb the selling of these illegal “imported” substances.
On enquiry regarding this issue, the Erongo Nampol spokesperson, Senior Inspector Judith Shomongula noted that, “The law is clear with regard to sale and possession of illicit cigarettes as stipulated in the Tobacco Products Control Act, 2010 (Act 1 of 2010), and the Customs and Excise Act, 1998 (Act 20 of 1998). A person who sells or knowingly possesses illicit cigarettes may face legal action, depending on the circumstances. Selling unlawfully illicit cigarettes can be fined up to N$200 000, or imprisonment up to 10 years, or both. Under the Customs and Excise Act, possession, purchasing or selling of illicit goods can also constitute an offence, moreover such Illicit cigarettes will be seized and be destroyed by the Police.”
On the flipside, most of the street vendors who are targeted and allegedly are guilty of this “crime” are unemployed single mothers and grandmothers who only want to take care of their families, including underaged children and grandchildren. Namib Times spoke to some of these street vendors and all of them agree that they are aware that the selling of these illicit substances is against the law, but however asked, “These ‘so-called’ illicit items are our best sellers, and we make a living out of it.
Will the police or Government provide us with jobs or enough money to put bread on the table and keep our children and grandchildren in schools?”
By Marshallino Beukes
