Benito Abilio Cuna(40), A Foreign National, was remanded in custody by the Komatipoort Magistrate Court on Monday, 6 November.

The accused was charged for Contravening the provisions of the Customs and Excise Act and Contravening the provisions of the Counterfeit Goods Act.

The case was postponed to 14 November 2023 for formal bail application at Komatipoort Magistrate Court. Accused remains in custody.

It is alleged that on Saturday, 4 November 2023, the driver of a Volvo truck was entering the Lebombo Port of Entry, from Mozambique into the Republic of South Africa.

The truck was stopped and searched shortly after crossing from Mozambique into South Africa.

 “During the search, counterfeit goods (tekkies) with an estimated street value of R2 million were found loaded on the trailers.” said Mpumalanga Provincial Hawks Spokesperson, Captain Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi.

The driver was arrested and detained, pending his court appearance. The truck and trailers, together with the counterfeit goods were taken to SARS Customs warehouse at Komatipoort for safekeeping. The accused was remanded in custody and scheduled to appear before the Komatipoort Magistrates Court on Monday, 6 November.