Two arrested in R2.8m counterfeit goods seizure at Kosi Bay in KZN

IN A significant breakthrough in the fight against counterfeit goods, the Border Management Authority (BMA) apprehended two Mozambican suspects and seized goods valued at over R2.8 million at the Kosi Bay Port of Entry on Monday.

- KAREN SINGH

The border post is situated between the Kosi Bay estuary in northern KwaZu-lu-Natal and the Ponta do Ouro border post in Mozambique.

Detailing the events that led to the discovery, BMA spokesperson Mmemme Mogotsi said the arrests occurred when BMA law enforcement officers inspected a truck entering South Africa.

She stated that the driver and his assistant, both Mozambicans, attempted to mislead the officers by claiming that the truck was transporting cooking pots and towels.

However, Mogotsi said that upon a thorough inspection, the officers uncovered hidden counterfeit goods.

These included 100 boxes of Afzal hookah pipe flavours, various branded sneakers such as Adidas, Nike and New Balance, over one thousand pairs of Nike sandals, as well as Louis Vuitton belts.