TIU praised for busting R48 000 worth of
counterfeit cigarettes suspects
Media Statement
07 November 2011
Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security
and Liaison MEC, Vusi Shongwe has
praised the Traffic Intervention Unit
(TIU) for arresting two suspects who
were in possession of counterfeit
cigarettes estimated at R48 000.
Two suspects were arrested last week
Thursday [03 November 2011] in Malelane
when TIU officers were conducting a
routine systematic vehicle check on a
Toyota Mini-bus that was stopped while
traveling between Malelane and
Nelspruit.
It is believed that the goods were from
Mozambique and destined for
Johannesburg. The two suspects were
arrested immediately and charged with
possession of counterfeit goods. The
suspects have appeared in Malelane
Magistrate Court on Friday, 4 November
2011.
The mini-bus that was transporting the
suspects and illegal cigarettes was also
confiscated by the police for further
investigations.
Shongwe has reiterated his call for the
strengthening of borders because
counterfeit goods can only be
transported across the border through
either corrupt practices by officials or
utilization of illegal entrances.
He has also urged the police and members
of the SANDF to work with stakeholders
in securing the country’s borders
including members of the community.
He has added that counterfeit goods are
costing the economy millions of rands
because it affects those who are trading
legally.
The MEC has called on the police to
speedily finalize the case so that a
message is sent to other criminals that
government is serious about dealing with
crime.
Issued by Mpumalanga Community
Safety, Security and Liaison
Enquiries: Joseph Mabuza
Tel: 013 766 4055
Cell: 082 678 1450
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