Byline: Refeloe Letsoisa
27 November 2024
Two foreign nationals (Ethiopian citizens) aged 27 and 47 were arrested during the multidisciplinary, intelligence-driven, disruptive operation conducted by the team comprising Mpumalanga Crime Intelligence, SAPS White River, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Mpumalanga, Customs and Excise, and security companies on Monday, 25 November 2024, at Rocky’s Drift in the White River policing area. The provincial head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Gerber, applauded them.
Information was received and operationalised by Crime Intelligence members regarding suspicious activities happening in the White River Industrial area in Mpumalanga.
The members kept observation and gathered information, which led to the operation. During the search, two Ethiopian nationals were found in possession of two Fortuner vehicles, loaded with different counterfeit products.
The suspects could not provide a clear explanation of the items.
The team summoned counterparts whereby a thorough search continued. A large amount of money was found inside the two vehicles and seized.
Information led the team to a storage facility that was locked. Upon their arrival, the team found a panel van branded like an ambulance full of counterfeit goods. During the search of the bogus ambulance, another amount of money was also found and seized. The two males were arrested, charged, and detained.
More than R10 million in counterfeit goods, inclusive of different types of takkies/shoes, illicit cigarettes, body cream, hairpieces, and other items, were seized.
The vehicles and seized property were taken into safe custody. The suspects will attend their first appearance today, Wednesday, 27 November 2024, in White River Magistrate’s Court.
The provincial head, Major General Gerber, assured the public that all information received is handled confidentially. He urged the public not to buy illicit products but rather to buy from well-known brand holders or retailers.
The general concluded by saying that “the illicit trade has a negative impact on the economy of the country and also potential dangers to public health.”
