Riot Hlatshwayo
Criminals from neighbouring Mozambique are making a quick buck by selling stolen fake brands such as Levi's jeans back to South Africans.
The merchandise is part of clothing confiscated by the South African authorities at airports and harbours as fake imports.
The police says the authorities donate the clothes to orphans in Mozambique but criminals steal the clothes before they reach the intended beneficiaries and bring them back to South Africa to sell.
A number of people found found transporting the fake clothes back to the country have been arrested at the Lebombo border post.
With the exception of clothes that still have their price tags, the police also recovered a huge haul of fake cigarettes that were apparently destined for spaza shops in Gauteng.
"These criminals hide the items in their luggage when traveling by public transport," said Senior Superintendent Mike Mhlanga.
"We have just arrested a number of suspects who were in possession of fake brands of clothing and illegal cigarettes. Some were also running a dangerous whisky called Tentacao, which is not allowed in this country."