Mozambican man fined R150,000 after smuggling R12 million counterfeit goods into South Africa
A 46-year-old Mozambican national, Eurico Zandamela, has been fined R150,000 after he was caught trying to smuggle counterfeit sportswear worth more than R12 million into South Africa through the Lebombo port of entry.
Zandamela was arrested on 23 February 2024 after officials at the border post grew suspicious when his truck was queued in the wrong line. Upon searching the vehicle, authorities discovered a massive consignment of counterfeit branded clothing concealed inside the trailer.
The seized items included fake Adidas, Nike, Diesel, CAT, Puma, LaPorte, New Balance, and Redbat sportswear, with an estimated street value of R12,526,544.
Hawks provincial spokesperson in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, confirmed the arrest and conviction.
“Zandamela was arrested after he attempted to smuggle counterfeit goods into the country, working with a security guard at the port of entry. Thanks to the vigilance of our officials, his plan was stopped before these items could reach the market,” said Nkosi.
He added that the seizure was a major breakthrough in the fight against counterfeit goods. “These fake products not only rob legitimate businesses of revenue but also put consumers at risk. We urge the public to avoid buying counterfeit goods as this fuels the criminal economy,” Nkosi said.
Zandamela was convicted on Tuesday by the Mbombela Specialised Commercial Crimes Court after pleading guilty. He was sentenced to a R150,000 fine or three months’ imprisonment. Half of the sentence was suspended for five years, on condition that he does not commit a similar offence. All counterfeit goods were forfeited to the state.
Meanwhile, his alleged accomplice, 32-year-old South African security guard Sibusiso Ngwenya, pleaded not guilty. His case was postponed to 11 December 2025.
The provincial head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, Major General Nico Gerber, also commended the officials at the Lebombo border.
“People who bring counterfeit goods, including foodstuffs and medicines into the country are the ones collapsing our economy and putting people’s livelihoods at risk,” he said.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL News