Woman sentenced for possession of counterfeit goods in Mbombela court
More than 700 counterfeit goods were found in the accused's possession. She was sentenced to a fine of R100 000 or three years' imprisonment.
The Mbombela Specialised Commercial Crimes Court convicted and sentenced a Mozambican national, Anatercia Timane (43), for the contravention of the Counterfeit Goods Act.
Timane was convicted on 733 counts of unlawful possession of counterfeit goods, with an estimated street value of over R1.9m. She was arrested at the Lebombo Border Port of Entry on March 10, transporting counterfeit goods brand items, bearing the trademarks belonging to various trademark owners.
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She pleaded guilty and the state advocate, Kutullo Kanyane, emphasised the prominent 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.
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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 contravening 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.
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The National Prosecuting Authority continues to fight the scourge of cross-border movement and trading in illicit goods.
