Two arrested for selling robbed, counterfeit solar systems

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Two suspects were arrested for possession of counterfeit goods and robbed property on Thursday in Mayfair, Johannesburg.

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Tactical Response Unit (TRU) said it followed up on information on individuals who were allegedly selling robbed and counterfeit solar systems.

According to JMPD spokesperson superintendent Xolani Fihla, upon arrival at the business premises situated at Park Avenue, the officers found the store manager and requested to check the merchandise.

“Whilst searching, the officers recovered solar panels, batteries and inverters that were taken during a robbery in Linbro Park and Randburg. The officers also recovered counterfeit solar panels.

“An expert from the company that makes the solar panels was summoned to the scene and he confirmed that the panels recovered were counterfeit, and not their brand.

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“Upon further investigation, the officers were led to a business in Northriding where more robbed items were recovered,” he explained.

Fihla added that the estimated value of the recovered goods is approximately two million rands.

He continued; “The two males who were found at the shop in Mayfair were arrested and detained at Johannesburg Central SAPS for possession of robbed goods and fraud. They are due to appear in court soon.”

Meanwhile, police in the Northern Cape have confiscated illicit cigarettes with an estimated value of R10 million following a multi-disciplinary operation in Hartswater.

“Kimberley public order police, assisted by crime intelligence and the South African revenue service customs unit pounced on the storage facility of a supermarket and confiscated cigarettes and tobacco products. Customs officials are conducting an investigation regarding the origin of the counterfeit tobacco products,” Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said.