In the early hours of Friday, 27 September 2024, a coordinated intelligence led operation was successfully executed by the Johannesburg Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) in collaboration with the Gauteng Highway Patrol.

This followed information received about a truck transporting counterfeit goods from Mozambique, the team swiftly moved to the Sasol garage near Carnival Mall, where the goods were being offloaded.

During the operation, three suspects, the driver, Reggernald Bezuidenhout (33) a Namibian citizen, Melumuzi Ndlovu (20) a Zimbabwean and Thabiso Mofokeng (39) a South African were apprehended. The authorities seized 63 bales of counterfeit footwear, including brands such as Nike, Lacoste, and Jordan, with an estimated value of R9.2 million. Additionally, 14 more bales of counterfeit goods were discovered at a storage facility in the Betrams area of Johannesburg, valued at approximately R2.1 million.

They appeared in the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 30 September 2024. The cas
e was adjourned until 07 October 2024 for a bail application.

The Acting Provincial Head of the Hawks in Gauteng Brigadier Phumeza Klaas has called for action. ” We urge everyone to be vigilant and avoid purchasing counterfeit goods. Support legitimate businesses by buying from reputable sources. Report any suspicious activities to the authorities to help combat this pervasive issue. Together, we can protect our economy, ensure public safety, and uphold the integrity of our markets.” She concluded.

Source: South African Police Service