Mazzotti and Sayed deny reports of police raids on their homes

Tobacco businessmen Adriano Mazzotti and Mohammadh Sayed have denied reports that police raided their homes or other properties, describing the claims as false and misleading.

The denial follows speculation that the South African Police Service (SAPS) carried out raids on Monday, 12 October 2026.

The claims emerged against the backdrop of ongoing scrutiny of the two Carnilinx executives at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which has examined communications and allegations involving the tobacco company, Crime Intelligence and political figures.

Lawyers reject raid claims

In a statement, the businessmen’s legal representatives said no raids had taken place at either client’s home or any property they owned.

“We state unequivocally that no such raid took place at either client’s home today or any time recently at any property owned by them,” the lawyers said.

They described the reports as “false and misleading” and said they were consulting with their clients about posts and articles that had circulated the claims.

The lawyers also reserved the right to pursue legal action against those responsible for publishing information they consider false or misleading.

Madlanga Commission scrutiny

Mazzotti and Sayed have faced public scrutiny during proceedings at the Madlanga Commission, where issues involving Carnilinx, senior SAPS Crime Intelligence officer Major-General Feroz Khan and EFF leader Julius Malema have featured.

The commission has examined a range of allegations relating to communications, possible tax evasion and tender dealings. These issues have formed part of the wider inquiry into alleged wrongdoing and links between business, law enforcement and political figures.

Mazzotti’s past dealings under scrutiny

In July, the commission heard further allegations concerning illicit tobacco trading involving Carnilinx after evidence leader Adila Hassim introduced a voluntary submission from Mazzotti.

The submission followed objections raised by Mazzotti to claims contained in an affidavit by commission investigator Tshepo Nyatlo. Mazzotti argued that the claims were damaging to Carnilinx.

Evidence presented to the commission also referred to a confidential 2014 settlement with the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

According to the affidavit, Mazzotti admitted to unlawful tobacco imports, manufacturing cigarettes off the books, conducting illegal surveillance of SARS officials and paying R800,000 in cash to a legal adviser believed to have influence over SARS officials.

These allegations and admissions have contributed to the scrutiny surrounding the businessman and the company.

However, the latest reports of police raids have been explicitly rejected by the lawyers representing Mazzotti and Sayed. Their statement does not confirm that any police operation targeting the two men took place.

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Source: The Citizen