Two arrested in R2.8 million counterfeit goods seizure at Kosi Bay
Counterfeit goods seized by the BMA at Kosi Bay Port, valued at over R2.8 million, highlighting the ongoing battle against illicit trade in South Africa.
Image: Supplied
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.
The border post is situated between the Kosi Bay estuary in South Africa and the Ponta do Ouro border post in Mozambique.
On September 22, 2025, BMA border guards at the Kosi Bay Port of Entry apprehended two suspects and confiscated counterfeit goods valued at an estimated R2,815,548, confirmed BMA spokesperson Mmemme Mogotsi.
Detailing the events that led to the discovery, 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.
“All the goods were confirmed as counterfeit by SAPS. Both suspects were arrested and detained at Manguzi SAPS and charged with contraventions of the Counterfeit Goods Act 37 of 1997 and the Tobacco Products Control Act 83 of 1993,” said Mogotsi.
A closer look at the counterfeit products, including branded sneakers and luxury items, uncovered during a routine inspection by BMA officers.
Image: Supplied
Mogotsi further explained that this seizure forms part of the BMA’s continuing clampdown on illicit trade.
She said in the first quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, between April and June, the BMA intercepted 32 bales of counterfeit clothing, together with 201 pairs of footwear valued at R1,098,000, that were confiscated at Lebombo and Kosi Bay.
“Counterfeit cigarettes with an estimated value of R1,143,720 were also seized at Van Rooyen, Lebombo, and Caledonspoort,” she added.
BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato praised the officers, stating that the ongoing interception of counterfeit goods at South Africa’s ports of entry shows the BMA’s commitment to protecting South Africa’s ports from criminal syndicates.
“These counterfeit products not only undermine legitimate businesses and erode tax revenue, but also compromise the safety of consumers. The arrests at Kosi Bay are yet another reminder that our officers remain alert and ready to enforce the law,” he said.
The truck used by the Mozambican suspects, which was stopped and inspected by BMA law enforcement officers, leading to the discovery of hidden counterfeit goods.
Image: Supplied
The commissioner said the BMA remains committed to working closely with law enforcement partners, including the SAPS, SANDF, and SARS, to dismantle the networks behind illicit trade and protect South Africa’s economy and communities.
Masiapato said the BMA is determined to secure our borders. “Working together with our partners, we will protect South Africa’s economy and communities for a better South Africa.”
In May, KwaZulu-Natal police discovered counterfeit goods worth an estimated street value of R400 million at a freight depot at Edwin Swales Drive, south of Durban, while doing routine cargo profiling.
They found two containers with counterfeit designer clothes, jewellery, and kitchenware.
According to police, both containers were fraudulently declared to be carrying furniture.
“Preliminary investigations have found that the containers entered the country from an Asian country and the cargo was destined for Alberton and central Johannesburg in Gauteng Province,” said police at the time of the report.
karen.singh@inlco.za