Cape Town – A Mozambican driver has been fined R150,000 after being caught smuggling more than R12 million worth of counterfeit sportswear into South Africa through the Lebombo border post.
According to the Hawks, 46-year-old Eurico Zandamela was stopped in February 2024 when his truck was found carrying hundreds of boxes of fake branded clothing, including items with the labels Adidas, Nike, Puma, Diesel and CAT.
“He attempted to beat the system, but thanks to the vigilance of our officials, his plan was stopped before these items could reach the market,” said Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi.
The counterfeit goods, valued at R12,526,544, were forfeited to the state.
#sapsHAWKS Mpumalanga: A 46yr-old Mozambican National, arrested at Lebombo Port of Entry in Feb 2024 after he attempted to smuggle counterfeit goods from Mozambique into South Africa, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a fine of R150 000.00 or three-months imprisonment by the… pic.twitter.com/fzv0ipUybH
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) September 30, 2025
The Mbombela Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sentenced Zandamela to pay R150,000 or face three months in jail. Half of the sentence was suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence.
Hawks provincial head Major General Nico Gerber praised officials at the border: “We commend our officers for remaining alert and protecting the economy from illicit trade.”
Zandamela’s alleged accomplice, 32-year-old Sibusiso Ngwenya, has pleaded not guilty and is expected back in court in December.
Authorities said the seizure was part of ongoing efforts to curb counterfeit imports, which undermine legitimate businesses and fuel organised crime.
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
