Nelspruit: 29 August 2023 - Three suspects aged between 22 and 41, including a woman from Mozambique were arrested yesterday, 28 August 2023 in Delmas on allegations of dealing in counterfeit goods.
According to information, Detectives from Delmas were travelling on the R555 Road towards Delmas when they noticed a blue Toyota Condor with KwaZulu-Natal registration numbers plates driving recklessly. The members tried to stopped the vehicle however it sped off. A chase ensued between the members and the Condor whereby members noticed another Toyota Condor, white in colour with Gauteng registration number plates. It is said that members further noticed that the drivers were somehow signalling to one another then they followed each other but they were reportedly driving recklessly.
Members then called for back up and they were assisted by the Provincial Traffic and traffic officials from the Victor Khanye Local Municipality (VKLM). Both vehicles were subsequently pulled over. Upon searching both vehicles, counterfeit goods were found inside which include Nike, Puma, Reebok, Adidas sneakers as well as flipflops. The items were all seized and the estimated retail value is at about R1 Million. It was during this time when the three were arrested and both vehicles were seized for further investigation to determine if they were not used in commission of crimes elsewhere.
The trio is expected to appear at the Delmas District Court today, 29 August 2023 on charges of dealing in counterfeit goods. The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has welcomed the arrest of the suspects. The General further applauded the collaboration displayed by the law enforcement agencies, thereby ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to book.