Police arrested four suspects and seized a massive illegal cigarettes.

The South African spoke with FITA’s Chairperson about the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill of 2018.

Cabinet recently approved the submission of the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill of 2018 to Parliament.

The SA tobacco-free youth forum has called for the president and members of parliament to pass the Tobacco Control Bill of 2018 into law.

Lockdown tobacco ban up in smoke: The education approach used around the sharing of spoons at funerals – could have worked.

SARS’ Customs Response Unit seized illicit cigarettes worth millions from Cape Town traders during raids on Thursday, 29 July.

Police have arrested a truck driver that was caught with illicit cigarettes worth over R4.8 million at the Kopfontein border.

A year after cigarettes were completely prohibited in South Africa, the Health Department has confirmed that a ‘public smoking ban’ is in the pipeline.

Cigarettes are one of the most common products sold by informal traders but customers should be made aware of healthier options.

At just 27, Vuyisani Xakatha, is serving 35 years in jail, partly for seven tobacco heists and kidnapping after robbing BAT drivers.

American President Joe Biden’s government is reportedly considering reducing the amount of nicotine found in cigarettes in the country.

SARS has said the illegal cigarettes, worth R18 million in street value, will be shredded in Cape Town on Friday, 9 April 2021

Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma is still battling to ensure she can reintroduce the cigarette ban herself – rather than relying on the approval of others first.

The driver of this truck full of illegal cigarettes soon ‘split’, after SAPS discovered his supposed shipment of bananas wasn’t what it appeared to be.

Forcing smokers to buy illegally during the tobacco ban has normalised the act of selling and buying illicit brands for both retailers and consumers, costing the fiscus some R8 billion a year, a new report states.

Just as smokers thought the struggle was over, tobacco sales may be under threat again. FITA say the potential for another cigarette ban is now ‘worrisome’.

This again? It’s reported that senior figures in Cabinet will appeal the outlawing of the unpopular cigarette ban, causing concern for millions of smokers.

The Western Cape High Court, on Friday, ruled that the cigarette ban instituted under lockdown was unconstitutional.

As per the judgement published on Friday, the cigarette ban was “inconsistent” with the Constitution.

As illegal cigarettes continue to pour into South Africa, we’re looking at the brands that boomed during our ill-fated tobacco ban.

Tito Mboweni has confirmed that there will be no tax increases for tobacco and alcohol on Wednesday – but that could all change next year.

If the government’s new Tobacco Control Bill gets the go-ahead, a ‘public cigarette ban’ would seriously limit where smokers can light-up.

The smokers of South Africa may be asked to pay more for their cigarettes by the end of October, as pressure grows on the government to raise tobacco taxes.

The five-month prohibition on cigarette sales may have a very serious knock-on effect – but FITA isn’t too worried about the immediate future.

Fighting the cigarette ban has been an exhaustive battle for FITA – but the tobacco giants are now ready to agree a settlement with the government.

Minister Dlamini-Zuma says it is ‘full speed ahead’ for the tobacco industry at Level 2, but said that lifting the cigarette ban comes with a major caveat.

It’s been a long, hard fight for the smokers of South Africa: But Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed the cigarette ban will end, and we’re moving to lockdown Level 2.

Fita has been handed a boost in its legal bid against the cigarette ban, with the Supreme Court granting it leave to appeal the high court decision.

The likes of BATSA and FITA – who have been fighting to overturn the cigarette ban – stand accused of profiting from the black market.

The cigarette ban and prohibition of alcohol both seem to have run their course – they could be lifted even before the country moves to lockdown Level 2.

With a verdict expected soon, Fita have gone for the Hail Mary. The courts are now being pressed to rule on Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma’s ‘executive overreach’.

NDZ has said in an affidavit submitted to the SCA that just because cigarettes are addictive doesn’t mean that they’re an essential product.

Could both the alcohol and cigarette bans be lifted this week? With each issue on the table for Cabinet, all eyes will be on these two industries.

FITA will submit their responding affidavits to the court on Tuesday – as pressure to overturn the cigarette ban increases further.

Studies show younger people in their teens and 20s giving up smoking at a far greater rate than those over 50.

Lockdown changes are on the horizon for SA. But Cabinet is yet to make a final decision for restrictions on alcohol, cigarettes, curfew and travel.

After battling with BATSA over the cigarette ban, the government is now fighting with FITA – here’s why they have been given a deadline to meet on Friday.

A final judgement on whether the cigarette ban will be lifted at BATSA’s request has been reserved – smokers now face another agonising wait.

An interesting defence? Lawyers representing the government say that Minister Dlamini-Zuma was aware of how the cigarette ban would benefit illegal traders.

Another day, another contradiction in the cigarette ban surfaces: Here’s why a rehab centre in Johannesburg was allowed to purchase tobacco.

Sparks flew in the Western Cape High Court today, as the cigarette ban was fiercely debated – and Dlamini-Zuma’s lawyer was forced into a candid admission.

British American Tobacco (BATSA) lawyers have hit the ground running on Wednesday, as they aim to stub-out Minister Dlamini-Zuma and the cigarette ban.

It has taken three attempts, but FITA have finally had a court decision go their way. But what does this change mean for the cigarette ban?

There’s going to be some drama in the Western Cape High Court this week: BATSA remain confident that they can overturn the cigarette ban.

The company further said the alcohol industry supported about 35 000 township small and medium enterprises and more than 180 000 unlicensed liquor outlets

Court challenges, ‘bad science’ and damning admissions; how long with the ban on booze and cigarettes still last?

High ranking SANDF officers were caught on national television lighting up cigarettes, sparking charges of hypocrisy from government

British American Tobacco are certain they can get the cigarette ban overturned next week – here’s how they plan to defeat Dlamini-Zuma in court.

Apart from dagga, police also found cigarettes in one of the vehicles involved in the KZN crash. The combined street value is R500 000.

Fita Chairperson Sinenhlanhla Mnguni suspects that ‘government interference’ has stopped our courts from lifting the controversial cigarette ban.

The government may be sticking to their guns on the cigarette ban, but a few significant factors could soon be out of their control.

According to Fita, Government intends to uphold the tobacco ban until the lockdown is lifted.

Yes, this again. An internal ‘fact sheet’ has revealed that indefinite alcohol and cigarette bans were on the agenda – and the ANC has made matters worse.

This has been a classic government screw-up, right from start to finish. Alcohol and cigarettes won’t be banned ‘until 2021’ – but questions remain.

A Tweet from the government’s official account claims that alcohol and cigarettes will be off-limits until lockdown finishes: The reaction has been fierce.

It’s either the most casual announcement of a major policy shift, or something’s gone wrong. Alcohol and cigarettes may now be banned ‘throughout lockdown’.

Another major sting has prevented a multi-million rand illegal cigarette shipment from reaching South Africa during the contentious tobacco ban.

The cigarette ban is not working, according to a new UCT study. Smokers continue to buy tobacco products, and spend good money for them.

An elaborate smuggling scheme has been busted at the border, after a group of criminals tried to bring an almighty amount of illicit cigarettes into SA.

The cigarette ban, which has been in place for four months, is creating an enormous void in tax revenue for South Africa – here is the estimated daily cost.

Fita (Fair-Trade Independent Tobacco Association) chairperson Sinenhlanhla Mnguni had his say about the cigarette ban.

According to an NICD professor, smoking cigarettes can’t be directly linked to COVID-19 infections. But she does have a warning for tobacco enthusiasts.

Fikile Mbalula said there are some people who believe the government should not be respected following certain decisions it has taken like the return of the alcohol ban.

Fita submitted on Wednesday that the court had acted “too benevolently” in siding with government’s seasoning for enforcing the cigarette ban.

Could this be the bit of good news smokers have been desperate for? Here’s when FITA will get a second chance to bring an end to the cigarette ban.

The prominent SA actor who was arrested with four others in Limpopo for illicit cigarette trade has been revealed as a Skeem Saam actor.

A well-known actor and four other suspects were arrested in Polokwane, Limpopo on Wednesday 8 July for dealing illicit cigarettes.

Commuters in Gauteng were left frustrated on Wednesday, as drivers protesting the cigarette ban staged a contentious demonstration on the N1.

Could the government be biting one of the hands that feed them? According to Jacques Pauw, the cigarette ban may collapse a titan of tobacco.

An officer in Limpopo, operating on the wrong side of the law, was arrested when he crashed a car that was transporting his illegal cigarette stash.

Judge John Hlophe was instrumental in postponing an urgent application to overturn the cigarette ban. But the legal veteran now faces a personal battle.

A group of cigarette smugglers has had their masterplan foiled by a joint law enforcement operation in Limpopo – and their unique method has been rumbled.

Some major South African companies have pledged their support to an open letter begging Ramaphosa to lift the ban on cigarette sales.

Suncoast in Durban has caused a stir by advertising their new ‘Smoking Casino’ which government admits is not illegal.

Tobacco industry giants FITA will fight back against the government, as the cigarette ban now heads to one of the highest courts in the land.

The “Smokers Protest” will take place on Saturday, and there will certainly be fuel for the fire following Bheki Cele’s remarks on the cigarette ban.

Cyril Ramaphosa has urged South Africans to accept the cigarette ban as reality, at least while Level 3 lockdown is in place.

Cele said that police can use lethal force if their lives are at risk, and warned that smokers face criminal records for buying cigarettes.

With the cigarette ban still in place, smokers are desperate to see tobacco products back on the shelves – whether that’s decided by the courts or Cabinet.

Facing a string of misconduct allegations, Judge John Hlophe’s reputation is under scrutiny once more after he delayed a court hearing on the cigarette ban.

British American Tobacco South Africa (BATSA), confirmed that it is taking cigarette orders but will not go against the lockdown regulations.

BATSA’s urgent application to lift the cigarette ban will have to wait another month before it’s heard in court.

It may be eight days behind schedule, but late is better than never. BAT are set for a court showdown with the government over the cigarette ban next week.

Campaigners, fed up with waiting for a final judgment on the tobacco ban, are taking matters into their own hands to get SA’s cigarettes back.

The controversial cigarette ban is costing South Africa billions in lost tax revenue – but could Tito Mboweni be tempted to raise the cash another way?

Should Fita be unsuccessful in overturning the tobacco ban, it’s possible that there would be another long wait before cigarettes return to our shelves.

Fita, currently locked in a court battle with the government over the cigarette ban, revealed that they have been subjected to personal threats.

Still no word from the High Court as another legal challenge, tabled by a giant in the tobacco industry, looms.

Sadly for those craving a smoke, the cigarette ban has not been lifted yet – despite claims made by a fast-spreading WhatsApp message this week.

During the weekend operation, a number of people were arrested for violating Regulations of the Disaster Management Act, which govern the lockdown

The suspects appeared before the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court on Thursday, 11 June 2020

An exchange between Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma’s lawyer and a judge in the ‘cigarette ban’ case just about summed up the fractious atmosphere in the court.

Police in the Eastern Cape arrested a suspect for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition and for contravening lockdown regulations by selling cigarettes.

Fita’s lawyer, Arnold Subel, has said that the president should be deposed so that the u-turn around the tobacco ban can be explained.

The acid-tongued legal representative for FITA has blasted Minister Dlamini-Zuma while setting out a fierce argument for lifting the cigarette ban.

Will South African smokers rejoice or mourn a High Court judgement this week?

Judges are reviewing the submissions by both Fita and government over the ban in cigarettes, with the case set to resume on 10 June.

Government’s stance on tobacco sales amid the COVID-19 crisis has found backing in the Eastern Cape.

The government simply cannot stub this cigarette issue out. Now Cyril Ramaphosa has been blasted for allegedly lying about the tobacco ban.

The Gauteng Health Department also said there’s been an upsurge in trauma units since sale of alcohol was permitted under lockdown Level 3.