Motswana Arrested In SA For Smuggling Fake Shoes Worth R17m
Pini Bothoko | Monday September 17, 2018 12:42
Efforts to establish the suspect’s real names and if he was a well known criminal failed as the deputy public relations officer of the Botswana Police Service senior superintendent, Near Bagali said he was not aware of the arrest.
“If he was arrested that side it will take time for them to notify us this side. I am not aware of any Motswana who was recently arrested smuggling goods of that worth. I can only establish that information from Interpol something that will take time especially that I am caught up with endless meetings,” said Bagali
However, it is reported that on September 11, 2018, around 10:15pm, a truck arrived at the border post and an official at the search point went to notify customs officials about the truck only to find the driver to have driven off without permission.
It is reported that a chase ensued and the truck was stopped about two kilometres from the border and redirected back Kopfontein Port of entry for further verification of goods that were in transit.
It is alleged that two trailers were fully loaded with 200 boxes of counterfeit footwear with an estimated value of R17 million. Reports state that North West police’s preliminary investigation revealed that the driver only declared and produced a manifesto for can lids. Following this, the authenticity of the goods was verified and was declared counterfeit and a case of smuggling of counterfeit goods was registered.
The suspect appeared before Lehurutshe Magistrate’s Court on Thursday and was denied bail.
Reports state that the acting North West police commissioner, Major-General Ryno Naidoo applauded the officers for being vigilant stating that counterfeit goods were already taking away a lot from the country’s economy and his officers would ensure that all those who transported illegal goods in the province would be apprehended.