WeeklySA_AdminBUST: Two Mozambican nationals arrested as the country’s law enforcement agency officials stop for inspection a suspicious truck at the Kosi Bay border in KwaZulu-Natal…
By WSAM Reporter and Jacanda News
South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) has arrested two Mozambican nationals at the border between the two countries this week.
They allegedly attempted to smuggle counterfeit goods with an estimated value of R2.8 million at the Kosi Bay Port of Entry in KwaZulu-Natal.
According to BMA, law enforcement stopped a truck entering South Africa for inspection on Monday.The Mozambican driver and his assistant attempted to mislead officers, claiming that the truck was transporting cooking pots and towels.
“However, upon a thorough inspection, the officers uncovered hidden counterfeit goods. These included 100 boxes of Afzal hookah pipe flavours, various branded sneakers such as Adidas, Nike and New Balance, over one thousand pairs of Nike sandals, as well as Louis Vuitton belts,” said the BMA spokesperson, Mmemme Mogotsi.
The South African Police Service confirmed the goods were counterfeit and subsequently detained the duo at the Manguzi police station.
“The latest seizure forms part of the Authority’s ongoing clampdown on illicit trade. In the first quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, between April and June, the BMA intercepted 32 bales of counterfeit clothing, together with 201 pairs of footwear valued at R1,098 000, which were confiscated at Lebombo and Kosi Bay,” said Mogotsi.
Counterfeit cigarettes with an estimated value of R1 143 720 were also seized at Van Rooyen, Lebombo, and Caledonspoort.
BMA head Dr Michael Masiapato reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to working closely with law enforcement partners, including the SAPS, SANDF and SARS, to dismantle the networks behind illicit trade and protect South Africa’s economy and communities.
“The BMA is determined to secure our borders and ensure that criminal activities such as smuggling and illicit trade find no space in our country. Working together with our partners, we will protect South Africa’s economy and communities for a better South Africa,” concluded Dr Masiapato.
