NATIONAL NEWS - Two suspects have been arrested and counterfeit goods with an estimated value of over R2.8 million were seized at the Kosi Bay Port of Entry bordering South Africa and Mozambique.
The arrests were made by Border Management Authority (BMA) Border Guards stationed at the port on Monday.
"The arrests took place when BMA law enforcement officers, stopped a truck entering South Africa for inspection. The driver and his assistant, both Mozambicans, attempted to mislead officers by claiming that the truck was transporting cooking pots and towels. However, upon a thorough inspection, the officers uncovered hidden counterfeit goods,” said the authority on Wednesday.
The counterfeit goods included 100 boxes of Afzal hookah pipe flavours, various branded sneakers, over 1000 pairs of Nike sandals, as well as Louis Vuitton belts.
“All the goods were confirmed as counterfeit by SAPS [South African Police Service]. Both suspects were arrested and detained at Manguzi SAPS and charged with contraventions of the Counterfeit Goods Act 37 of 1997 and the Tobacco Products Control Act 83 of 1993.”
The Commissioner of the BMA, Dr Michael Masiapato, commended the officers for their vigilance.
“The continuous interception of counterfeit goods at our ports of entry demonstrates the BMA’s resolve to secure South Africa’s ports of entry against criminal syndicates. These counterfeit products not only undermine legitimate businesses and erode tax revenue but also compromise the safety of consumers. The arrests at Kosi Bay are yet another reminder that our officers remain alert and ready to enforce the law,” said Dr Masiapato.
The latest seizure forms part of the authority’s ongoing clampdown on illicit trade. In the first quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, between April and June, the BMA intercepted 32 bales of counterfeit clothing together with 201 pairs of footwear valued at R1 098 000 were confiscated at Lebombo and Kosi Bay.
Counterfeit cigarettes with an estimated value of R1 143 720 were also seized at Van Rooyen, Lebombo, and Caledonspoort.
Masiapato reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to working closely with law enforcement partners, including the SAPS, South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and South African Revenue Service (SARS), to dismantle the networks behind illicit trade and protect South Africa’s economy and communities.
“The BMA is determined to secure our borders and ensure that criminal activities such as smuggling, and illicit trade find no space in our country. Working together with our partners, we will protect South Africa’s economy and communities for a better South Africa,” said Dr Masiapato. -SAnews.gov.za
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