Sars cracks down on illegal imports at Ficksburg border

South African Revenue Service (Sars) officials at the Ficksburg border post intercepted a truck carrying 129 misdeclared bales of blankets on Friday.

Sars said in a statement that the importer had falsified the declaration, claiming it was ladies’ shoes. The goods on the truck were detained and will possibly be forfeited to the state, pending further investigation by Sars Criminal Investigation division.

“These busts are significant and follow a spate of recent seizures by Sars as a result of programmes implemented following the appointment of  Sars commissioner Tom Moyane, which amongst others, have resulted in improving systems, process enhancements and a renewed commitment to combating organised crime and illicit trade activities,” said a spokesperson for Sars.