A 40-year-old suspect was arrested at Lebombo Border Port of entry on Friday, 21 June 2024, driving a white Volkswagen bus trying to cross the border. The vehicle was stopped and searched. During the search, counterfeit goods (sneakers, clothes and cosmetics) with an estimated street value of R 800 000-00, transported from Mozambique into the Republic of South Africa without valid permit, were seized.

Exhibits, counterfeit goods and vehicle were booked in the SAPS 13 register at SAPS Komatipoort and kept at Komatipoort Customs warehouse for safekeeping.

The team comprising of Nelspruit based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation, SANDF members at Macadamia military base, Komatipoort SAPS and Customs officials (SARS) Komatipoort, arrested and charged the suspect for Contravening the provisions of Section 83(a) & (b) of the Customs and Excise Act, Act 91 of 1964.

-Contravening the provisions of Section 2(1) read with Sections 1,2(2),10,16,19 & 20 of the Counterfeit Goods Act, Act 37 of 1997 read with the Trade Marks Act, Act 194 of 1993.

The suspect was detained pending his first court appearance on Monday, 24 June 2024, at Komatipoort Magistrates’ Court.

Meanwhile the team was still busy, a white Toyata Quantum minibus with venter trailer was also stopped and searched. During the search counterfeit goods (sneakers and clothes) with estimated street value of R 500 000-00, transported from Mozambique into the Republic of South Africa were also seized.

The exhibits were registered at Komatipoort SAPS 13 register and saved guarded at Komatipoort Customs warehouse. A 34-year-old suspect was also arrested and charged for Contravening the provisions of Section 83(a) & (b) of the Customs and Excise Act, Act 91 of 1964. -Contravening the provisions of Section 2(1) read with Sections 1,2(2),10,16,19 & 20 of the Counterfeit Goods Act, Act 37 of 1997 read with the Trade Marks Act, Act 194 of 1993. He is also expected to appear in court on Monday.

In his comment, the Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Gerber, applauded the collaboration of the Law enforcement agencies for their integrity and zeal to do the right thing at the border. He also encourages other members to take note. ” As the Hawks together with our counterparts, are determined to continue preventing illegal activities to happen in our Province”. He concluded.