A Mozambican national tried to smuggle over R12 million in counterfeit goods into South Africa but officials stopped him at the Lebombo Port of Entry. The court fined 46-year-old Eurico Zandamela R150 000 after his arrest on 23 February 2024. He was the sole occupant of the truck carrying the illicit cargo.
Major General Nico Gerber, Provincial Head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, praised port officials for their vigilance. He said, “People who bring counterfeit goods, including foodstuffs and medicines, collapse our economy. They put livelihoods at risk. This case shows the importance of teamwork in securing our borders.”
COUNTERFEIT GOODS WORTH MILLIONS SEIZED
Investigators said Zandamela colluded with 32-year-old South African security guard Sibusiso Ngwenya, who allegedly tried to bypass border controls. Officers arrested both men and released them on R5 000 bail.
Port officials directed the truck to queue with unloaded vehicles and decided to search it, following a pattern seen in previous SAPS operations that seized counterfeit goods worth millions.
They searched it and discovered counterfeit sportswear, including Adidas, Nike, Diesel, CAT, Puma, LaPorte, New Balance and Redbat. The goods, worth R12.5 million, were hidden in the trailer.
DRIVER PLEADS GUILTY, SECURITY GUARD TRIAL POSTPONED
On 30 September 2025, Zandamela pleaded guilty at the Mbombela Specialised Commercial Crimes Court. The court fined him R150 000 or three months in prison. Half of the sentence was suspended for five years. The state also seized all the counterfeit goods.
Ngwenya pleaded not guilty. His trial will continue on 11 December 2025.
The Hawks said teamwork at the port played a critical role in stopping counterfeit goods from entering South Africa.
