Two Ethiopian Nationals Caught With Counterfeit Goods Worth R10 Million And Cash Hidden In Fake Ambulance

Two Ethiopian nationals, aged 27 and 47, are set to appear in the White River Magistrate’s Court after being caught with a staggering R10 million worth of counterfeit goods and large sums of cash.

The illegal items were discovered hidden in vehicles, including a panel van disguised as an ambulance, during a sting operation in Mpumalanga.

Investigation Leads Ethopian Nationals Arrest

Hawks spokesperson Captain Dineo Sekgotodi revealed that the arrests took place in Rocky’s Drift, White River, on Tuesday. Acting on information received through Crime Intelligence, authorities conducted an operation targeting suspicious activities in the White River Industrial area.

After a period of surveillance, law enforcement officers intercepted the suspects. They discovered two Toyota Fortuner vehicles loaded with various counterfeit products, including illicit cigarettes, fake branded shoes, hairpieces, body creams, and other items.

“The suspects failed to provide credible explanations for the items in their possession,” Sekgotodi said.

Fake Ambulance Reveals Hidden Goods and Cash

Further investigation led the team to a storage facility linked to the suspects. There, they uncovered a panel van masquerading as an ambulance, which was loaded with additional counterfeit goods. Upon searching the bogus ambulance, more cash was seized alongside the illicit products.

In total, counterfeit goods worth approximately R10 million were confiscated. The vehicles used to transport the illegal items were also seized and are now in safekeeping.

Mpumalanga Hawks’ provincial head, Major-General Nicholas Jacobus Gerber, commended the operation but issued a stern warning to the public about the dangers of illicit trade.

“This kind of illegal activity negatively impacts the country’s economy and poses potential risks to public health,” Gerber stated. He urged consumers to support legitimate retailers and avoid purchasing counterfeit goods, which often do not meet safety and quality standards.

Counterfeit Trade’s Growing Threat

The bust reveals a broader issue of counterfeit goods flooding South African markets, often smuggled in by organised crime networks. Authorities have intensified efforts to clamp down on these activities, which undermine legitimate businesses and drain government revenue.

The suspects will face charges of possession of counterfeit goods, violating trade laws, and possibly fraud. Their court appearance is expected to shed light on the network behind these operations.

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