Border Management Authority seizes R2.8 million in counterfeit goods at Kosi Bay Port

In a well coordinated operation directed at stifling the growing trend of illicit trade, the Border Management Authority (BMA) has successfully arrested two individuals and seized counterfeit goods valued at approximately R2.8 million at the Kosi Bay Port of Entry, in northern KwaZulu-Natal.

The operation, which was made in the early hours of yesterday at point of entry that serves as a key passage connecting South Africa to Mozambique, highlighted the authority's ongoing efforts to combat cross-border crime and protect the local economy.

A suspicious-looking truck attempting to enter South Africa caught the attention the BMA’s Border Guards, and it was duly intercepted.

The suspects, identified as Mozambican nationals, initially attempted to downplay the contents of their vehicle, and claimed that it was filled with commonplace household items, including cooking pots and towels.

However, a rigorous inspection revealed a hidden trove comprising of 100 boxes of Afzal hookah pipe flavours, various branded sneakers, over 1000 pairs of Nike sandals, Louis Vuitton belts,

Following the discovery, the SAPS examined the merchandise and confirmed it was counterfeit. The two suspects were detained at the Manguzi SAPS cells, and are expected to face charges under the Counterfeit Goods Act (Act 37 of 1997) and the Tobacco Products Control Act (Act 83 of 1993).

Dr Michael Masiapato, Commissioner of the BMA, commended the dedication of the officers involved, stating, “The continuous interception of counterfeit goods at our ports of entry demonstrates the BMA's resolve to secure South Africa's borders against criminal syndicates.”

He stressed the multifaceted threats posed by counterfeit goods, including the potential to undermine legitimate businesses, erode tax revenue, and endanger consumer health and safety.

The arrests are part of a broader strategy by the BMA to enhance vigilance among border officials in the fight against cross-border crime.

This recent seizure aligns with a rising trend in BMA operations, with notable successes recorded in the first quarter of the 2025/26 financial year (April–June).

Some of the items that were netted during other operations included:

*32 bales of counterfeit clothing and 201 pairs of counterfeit footwear, worth over R1.09 million, seized at the Lebombo and Kosi Bay ports.

* Counterfeit cigarettes valued at approximately R1.14 million and intercepted at the Van Rooyen, Lebombo, and Caledonspoort ports.

Those breakthroughs illustrated the ongoing instances of counterfeit smuggling networks that look to exploit loopholes border post management.

Masiapato stressed the necessity for collaboration among various security agencies. Therefore, the BMA worked closely with SAPS in the enforcement of criminal charges, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) for border area patrols, and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to safeguard the national economy and tax revenue.

“The BMA is determined to ensure that criminal activities such as smuggling and illicit trade find no space in our country,” said Masiapato.

DAILY NEWS