The Gqeberha Regional Court has rendered its verdict in a case involving the possession and sale of suspected counterfeit goods. Goher Ali (32) pleaded guilty to charges brought against him under the Counterfeit Goods and contravention of certain sections within the Act 37 of 1997.
According to information, Ali was found in possession of suspected counterfeit goods valued at R296 000. The investigation spearheaded by Spoor and Fisher Attorneys based in Pretoria stemmed from reports of possible counterfeit Apple and iPhone products being sold by Red 88 Tech and Gadget situated in Green Shields Park in Gqeberha. Following an inquiry and a test purchase on 31 October 2024, it was then confirmed that Ali was indeed engaged in the sale of counterfeit goods.
Subsequently, the matter was then reported to Gqeberha Serious Commercial Crime Investigation of the Hawks for further action. A search and seizure operation was executed at Red 88 Tech and Gadget’s premises which resulted in the confiscation of 215 Apple / iPhone covers, 8 Apple/iPhone cell phone chargers and 4 Apple smart watches valued at R296 000.
As a result of the meticulous investigation conducted by the Gqeberha Hawks, summons were served to Goher Ali hence his appearance before the Gqeberha Regional Court on 23 February 2024. It is further stated that Ali pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him and was subsequently sentenced to pay an amount of R57 000.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya commended the collaborative efforts that led to this successful conviction and further alluded that the public is reminded to remain vigilant against the purchase and sale of counterfeit products as they pose risk to consumer safety and the economy.
