Two suspects arrested for suspected counterfeit goods
Two men were arrested in Ermelo after police discovered parcels containing suspected counterfeit footwear during an Operation Basadi stop-and-search.
ERMELO – Two men were arrested during an Operation Basadi stop-and-search after police discovered parcels containing suspected counterfeit footwear on August 6.
Police conducted the operation at about 09:45 when they stopped a white Toyota Combi with KZN registration plates towing a white Elite trailer, also registered in KZN.
The vehicle and trailer were loaded with numerous plastic-wrapped parcels. The occupants were asked to account for the contents but allegedly 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,” said provincial police spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe.
Sandile Mthembu (34) and Sakhile Thembe (36) were arrested and face charges relating to the possession of suspected counterfeit goods.
The Toyota Combi, trailer and suspected counterfeit goods were seized as part of the investigation.
The two suspects appeared in the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on August 7, where they were each granted bail of R1 000 and the case was postponed to September 7.
Further investigations, including the verification of the authenticity and value of the seized items, are ongoing.
Police urged the community 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 via the MySAPS app.
