A BUSINESSMAN from The Bluff appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on September 10 for contravention of the Counterfeit Goods Act.
Sheneil Anilray Ramdheen (31) was arrested following a crucial tip-off received by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit in August this year. The tip-off led the police to a liquor store operating on The Bluff, which was allegedly dealing in counterfeit goods.
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According to the spokesperson for the Hawks, Warrant Officer Sibu Ncane, the initial report revealed that the store was selling counterfeit Smirnoff 1818 Vodka for the estimated value of R9 300.
Ncane said the investigation team swiftly moved into action and gathered evidence, and served a summons for the suspect to appear in court.
“The counterfeit Smirnoff 1818 Vodka was seized by police for further investigation,” said Ncane.
In a separate case, another businessman, Shana Mangroo (55), was convicted and sentenced at the Durban Magistrate’s Court on September 11, for contravention of the Counterfeit Goods Act and the Customs Excise Act.
Mangroo’s conviction follows a thorough investigation into his alleged illicit cigarette operations on The Bluff.
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The case began in October 2021, when customs officials intercepted a shipping container at Durban Harbour.
The container, which held 949 master cases of cigarettes, was flagged for inspection. Upon examination, the police discovered that the cigarettes were counterfeit.
The investigation revealed that Mangroo had unlawfully imported counterfeit cigarettes for business purposes.
Additionally, it was revealed that Mangroo had made false declarations to the customs controller, further compounding his offences.
Despite multiple court appearances and the gravity of the charges, Mangroo continued to contest the allegations. However, on September 9, he was found guilty by the court.
KZN Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo said the court imposed a fine of R200 000 on Mangroo, which can be substituted with 30 days of imprisonment.
However, Mhlongo said this prison term is suspended for five years on condition that Mangroo does not commit a similar offence during this period.
The KZN directorate for priority crime investigation, led by Major General Lesetja Senona, welcomed the court’s decision.
Senona commended the diligent work of the investigation team, highlighting the importance of combating counterfeit goods and upholding the integrity of business practices.
The Hawks believe that this case serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to tackle fraudulent activities and protect the public from counterfeit products that can pose significant risks.
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