COUNTERFEIT GOODS WORTH ABOUT R1.5 MILLION SEIZED AT LEBOMBO PORT OF ENTRY
Nelspruit: 22 August 2023 – The partnership between members of the South African Police Service Border Policing and South African Revenue Services (SARS) led to the recovery of counterfeit goods worth more than R1.5 Million at Lebombo Port of Entry this morning Tuesday, 22 August 2023 at about 07h00 am.
It is alleged that the Mozambican articulated Freightliner truck valued at about R2 Million tried to gain entry into the Republic of South Africa with counterfeit luggage of Jeans and sneakers which is worth around R1 503 000 prior to being intercepted by law enforcement agencies.
The driver somehow got away, leaving behind the truck with the luggage.
Both the truck and the luggage were confiscated and further investigation is being conducted in conjunction with Interpol to trace the owners of the truck as well as those who were behind the smuggling of the goods.
The public is urged to assist with information that may assist in the investigation, including details on the whereabouts of the driver who evaded the arrest, by calling the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
Also read: Operation Shanela brings results
Meanwhile, the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has commended the law enforcers that brought about this success. “Day by day criminals try their luck to cripple the economy of the Republic, however thanks to the dedication displayed by members. We, therefore, reassure the public that we will continue to clamp down on illicit operations,” said the General.
