A 30-year-old Bangladesh man was arrested after he was found with suspected stolen items including various food items and detergents worth over R500,000 in Secunda, Mpumalanga.
Provincial Hawks spokesperson, Warrant Officer Thandi Tshabalala, said the unit received information regarding a truck that was offloading stock at the farm in Leslie, a town in Gert Sibande District Municipality.
“Members followed up the information, upon arrival at the farm they noticed a truck offloading stock in boxes and bundles they proceeded to the main building where a large quantity of stock was also found,” said Tshabalala.
Tshabalala said two Bangladesh nationals were found at the farm and one was arrested after being interviewed.
“Stock inclusive of food items and detergent in boxes and bundles to the estimated value of above R500,000 were confiscated. A white Hino truck was also seized,” added Tshabalala.
Tshabalala said the man was arrested and was expected to make his appearance at the Leslie Magistrates Court on Monday.
Last week, Hawks in Johannesburg arrested four Ethiopian national after they were found producing counterfeit fragrance worth R7 million.
Spokesperson for the Hawks in Gauteng, Warrant Officer Thatohatsi Mavimbela said the elite law enforcement unit was keeping surveillance on the identified premises suspected to be producing Fine Fragrance Collection products, in contravention of the Counterfeit Goods Act.
“A residential address at 10th Avenue, Mayfair, Johannesburg was put under surveillance to confirm the alleged illegal activities. On Thursday, 17 October the Hawks team descended at the premises and uncovered a fully equipped clandestine factory in the process of manufacturing Fine Fragrance Collection fragrances,” said Mavimbela.
Three suspects were found at the premises and were subsequently arrested. The following day, on Friday, another suspect was arrested.
“It is estimated that the scale of the illicit factory could have caused a financial loss estimated at R7 million to Fine Fragrance Collection,” said Mavimbela.
Equipment that includes, machines, containers of perfume mixers, bottles and sticker labels were seized for further examination.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
IOL News