WOMAN SENTENCED FOR POSSESSION OF COUNTERFEIT GOODS
The Mbombela Commercial Crimes Court sentenced a Mozambican national Lurdes Virginia Moyane (38), for Contravention of Provisions of the Counterfeit Goods Act. The accused was convicted on 1135 counts, of unlawful possession of counterfeit goods with an estimated value of over R3.4 million and contravention of the Immigration Act. The accused was arrested on 01 March 2023, on the N4 next to Mjejane, after the police stopped the vehicle, she was transporting counterfeit goods (sneakers and clothing). It also transpired that the accused is in South Africa without proper documents.
In court, she pleaded guilty, and State Adv. Mavis Mashimbyi argued that the accused committed crimes which impacts the economy. Magistrate Deon Van Rooyen considered all the evidence placed before the court and sentenced the accused to pay a fine of R200 000 or three years imprisonment, half of which is suspended for 5 years on condition that she is not convicted of contravening the Counterfeit Goods Act during the period of her suspension. The counterfeit goods were forfeited to the state.
The National Prosecuting Authority is pleased with the speedy finalisation of the matter.
