The man was arrested following a tip-off to the Boksburg police by a concerned citizen, on Tuesday, January 19.
Police carried out a raid on the man’s shop and found a haul of counterfeit cigarettes inside the shop.
The owner was immediately placed under arrest and he will be prosecuted in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court.
The Boksburg SAPS spokesperson, Lieut Kwendzakwakhe Ngobese, commended the informer and the police officers, who reacted to the tip-off, for their actions.
“It is really great that there are members of the community who are working with the police to tackle traders who break the law of the country.
“I would like to thank members of the public for reporting illegal sales and encourage everyone to continue doing so in order to reduce the harm caused by these smuggled illegal substances in our communities,” said Ngobese.
Ngobese added that the recent arrest will serve as a warning to others who think they can get away with this crime.
“They will eventually get caught,” he said.
Residents may report this type of activity to the Boksburg police on 011 841 6859.
* In another incident, armed robbers forced their way into a house in Witpeer Street, Freeway Park, and stole goods worth about R33 000 on January 19.
The robbers forced their way into the complainant’s house and found her in the kitchen busy feeding her baby.
They threatened her with a firearm, before they stole two TV sets, a tablet, PC monitor and three cellphones (Samsung Galaxy phone, Samsung S2 and Nokia). -@FanieFLK
