The ongoing #OperationBasadi has yielded positive results after two suspects were arrested for possession of suspected counterfeit goods during a police operation in Ermelo.
On Thursday, 06 August 2026, at approximately 09:45, members of Ermelo SAPS conducted a stop-and-search operation on a white Toyota Combi with KwaZulu-Natal registration plates that was towing a white Elite trailer, also bearing KwaZulu-Natal registration plates.
During the search, members found the vehicle and trailer loaded with numerous plastic-wrapped parcels. The occupants were requested to account for the contents of the parcels but failed to provide a satisfactory explanation.
Police opened one of the parcels for inspection and discovered a quantity of shoes suspected to be counterfeit. A further inspection revealed that the remaining parcels also contained suspected counterfeit footwear.
The two suspects, Sandile Mthembu (34) and Sakhile Thembe (36), were immediately arrested for possession of suspected counterfeit goods. The Toyota Combi, trailer and all the suspected counterfeit goods were seized as part of the ongoing investigation.
The suspects appeared before the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 07 August 2026, where they were each granted bail of R1 000. They are expected to appear before the same court again on 07 September 2026.
Further investigations, including the verification of the authenticity and value of the seized items, are continuing.
SAPS remains committed to combating the trade in counterfeit goods, which negatively impacts legitimate businesses, consumers and the country’s economy. Members of the public are encouraged to report any information relating to the manufacture, distribution or sale of counterfeit goods to the nearest police station or anonymously through the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the MySAPS App. #StopIllicitTrade
