By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
A tip-off about a suspicious Toyota Quantum has led to arrest of a 34-year-old suspect, Willy Mxolise Mhlongo, who was allegedly found in possession of a large quantity of counterfeit popular sneaker-brands. Mhlongo reportedly appeared before the Komatipoort Magistrate’s Court on Monday 9 December and was remanded in custody.
According the spokesperson for the Hawks in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant-Colonel Dineo Sekgotodi,
the suspect faces charges of fraud and contravening various sections of the Customs and Excise Act, as well as the Counterfeit Goods Act. She said the suspect was hailing from Naas(Nkomazi) and headed to Gauteng Province.
“ Upon searching the vehicle on the N4 tollgate road near Jeppe’s Reef turn-off in Komatipoort, authorities discovered a massive haul of counterfeit sneakers valued at R3.5 million. The driver was arrested, charged, and appeared in court on the same day, where he was remanded in custody. The counterfeit goods and vehicle were confiscated,” said Sekgotodi.
According to Sekgotodi, the seized alleged counterfeit goods include;
• 407 pairs of Nike sneakers
• 559 pairs of All-Star sneaker
• 80 pairs of Reebok sneakers
• 244 New Balance sneakers
• 92 pairs of Converse sneakers
• 354 pairs Jordan sneakers.
The case was reportedly postponed to 17 December for bail application and legal representation.
