Mozambican National Fined R150,000 for Smuggling R12.5 Million in Counterfeit Sportswear into South Africa

Mpumalanga – A 46-year-old Mozambican national, Eurico Zandamela, has been fined R150,000 after pleading guilty to smuggling counterfeit sportswear worth over R12.5 million into South Africa. The Mbombela Specialised Commercial Crimes Court delivered the sentence on Tuesday, 30 September 2025.

Zandamela’s arrest dates back to 23 February 2024, when he was intercepted at the Lebombo Port of Entry. Authorities became suspicious after his truck queued incorrectly with unloaded vehicles. A subsequent search revealed concealed counterfeit clothing hidden in the trailer. The seized items included well-known brands such as Adidas, Nike, Puma, Diesel, CAT, New Balance, Redbat, and LaPorte, with a total street value of R12,526,544.

Security Guard Allegedly Involved

Investigators allege that Zandamela colluded with Sibusiso Ngwenya (32), a South African security guard employed by a contracted company at the port. Ngwenya reportedly attempted to help bypass the system, but both men were arrested on the same day and released on R5,000 bail each.

While Zandamela admitted guilt, Ngwenya has pleaded not guilty, and his case has been postponed to 11 December 2025 for trial.

READ: Border Management Authority Seizes Counterfeit Goods Worth Over R2.8 Million at Kosi Bay |

Court Ruling and Sentence

The court imposed a fine of R150,000, with the option of a three-month imprisonment. Half of Zandamela’s sentence was suspended for five years on condition that he is not convicted of a similar offense during that period. All the counterfeit goods were forfeited to the state.

Hawks and Officials Commend Operation

The case was handed to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit in Nelspruit, which confirmed the successful prosecution.

Major General Nico Gerber, Provincial Head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, praised the vigilance of border officials:

“People who bring counterfeit goods, including foodstuffs and medicines, collapse our economy and put people’s livelihoods at risk. This case shows the importance of teamwork in securing our borders,” he said.

READ: Intelligence Raid Unpacks a Luggage Bag of Explosives at Barberton Guest House, Two Zimbabwean Nationals Arrested |

Wider Implications

South Africa faces growing challenges with cross-border smuggling of counterfeit goods, which undermine legitimate businesses, erode tax revenue, and threaten consumer safety. The Hawks have pledged to intensify operations at ports of entry to curb the influx of illegal products.