Anatercia Timane a 43-year-old Mozambican national was sentenced by the Mbombela Specialised Commercial Crimes Court for Contravention of the Counterfeit Goods Act.
The accused was arrested less than two months ago on the border entry while transporting counterfeited goods worth millions of Rands.
According to Monica Nyuswa,NPA Regional Spokesperson,DPP Mpumalanga Division,Timane was convicted on 733 counts of unlawful possession of counterfeit goods,with an estimated street value of over R1.9 million.She was arrested on 10 March 2023,at Lebombo Border Port of Entry,transporting Counterfeit Goods brand items,bearing the trademarks belonging to various trademark owners.
The accused was given a lenient sentence after she pleaded guilty for all charges were laid against her by the state and was given two options to choose from.
Nyuswa said she pleaded guilty and State Advocate Kutullo Kanyane emphasized the prominence sale of counterfeit goods and the negative impact it has on the trademark holders and our economy.Kanyane requested the court to enact a sentence to deter the accused and other would-be offenders.The court took into consideration the accused's circumstances,the seriousness of the offence,and the economic impact on the trademark holders and society.
She added that the accused was sentenced to a fine of R100 000 or three years imprisonment,half of which is suspended for five years on condition that the accused is not convicted of a contravention of the Counterfeit Goods Act during her suspension period.The court ordered that the goods confiscated from the accused,be forfeited to the state to be properly destroyed.
Nyuswa concluded that the National Prosecuting Authority continues to fight the scourge of cross-border movement and trading in illicit goods.