A second Bangladeshi national was arrested in Mpumalanga after a consignment of goods were recovered at a farm in Leslie, a town in Gert Sibande District Municipality last week.
The provincial spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (known as Hawks), Warrant Officer Thandi Tshabalala said the second suspect, a 41-year-old man was arrested on Monday, October 28.
He faces charges of possession of suspected stolen property.
“His arrest followed after further investigation revealed his involvement with his brother, who was initially apprehended,” Tshabalala said.
“His brother Mezan Mohammed, 30, was arrested on Friday, October 25, for possession of suspected stolen property worth over R500,000.”
On Friday, information was received by the Hawks’ Organised Crime Investigation team regarding a truck that was offloading stock at a farm in Leslie.
“Members followed up the information. Upon arrival at the farm, they noticed a truck offloading goods,” Tshabalala said.
“Members proceeded to the main building where a large quantity of goods were found. Goods inclusive of food items and cleaning detergent in boxes were confiscated. A white Hino truck was also seized.”
The items seized included OMO washing powder, Oreo biscuits, Dove deodorant, toilet paper, Lux soap, Excella sunflower oil, and more.
The suspect appeared in the Leslie Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
The first accused, Mezan Mohammed made a brief appearance in the Leslie Magistrate’s Court on Monday. The matter has been postponed to Friday, November 1.