Are illicit cigarettes more dangerous to smoke? Yes they are!
The Fair-Trade Independent Tobacco Association (Fita) says the ban on tobacco sales during the lockdown has not stopped people from smoking.
South Africa's decision to extend a ban on cigarette sales inflamed a row as the country prepared to loosen stringent restrictions imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus.
The government outlawed the sale of alcohol and tobacco products when it imposed the lockdown, considered one of the strictest in the world.
However, that caused the illicit cigarette trade to boom.
READ: The light at the end of a cigarette: South Africans are still smoking
Former SARS lawyer Telita Snyckers is the author of 'Dirty Tobacco’, about the illicit cigarette trade.
What is more profitable than dangerous drugs? Illegally trafficked cigarettes!
In this gripping exposé, former SARS lawyer Telita Snyckers uncovers the dark underground of the tobacco industry.
READ: South Africa virus cases surge past 100,000
Tobacco cannot be bought but South African ashtrays are full. The author joined Breakfast with Martin Bester on Tuesday morning for a chat.