08-05-2025
Businessman fined R136 750 for selling fake Apple products in Gqeberha
The Hawks have seized counterfeit Apple products valued at approximately R720 000 from a tech shop in Walmer, Gqeberha.
Syed Khurram Aftab, 24, was found guilty of contravening the Counterfeit Goods Act.
Seized items included over 540 counterfeit iPhone accessories and devices including covers, adapters, and smart watches.
The Gqeberha Magistrate's Court has fined businessman Syed Khurram Aftab R136 750 after he was found guilty of contravention of the Counterfeit Goods Act.
The Hawks in the Eastern Cape say Aftab, 24, was summoned to appear in court after complaints he was selling tech giant Apple products at his Walmer shop in Gqeberha.
'On 18 March, Spoor and Fisher Attorneys, who act in trademark-related matters as well as anti-counterfeiting, reportedly received a complaint indicating that possible counterfeit iPhone goods were being sold at MOD Tech shop.
'Subsequently, the law firm surveilled the cellular shop to ascertain the veracity of the crime,' said Hawks Eastern Cape spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana.
Mhlakuvana said a representative from the law firm purchased the items and analysed them, and they were found to be counterfeit.
'The lawyers conducted the examination on items representing Apple Incorporate company that is situated in the United States of America. The matter was officially reported to the SCCI (Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit) of the Hawks for further investigation.'
Upon searching the shop, Mhlakuvana said, Hawks found and seized 185 counterfeit iPhone silicone covers, 153 iPhone adapters, 160 iPhone lighting cables, 34 Apple iPods, seven iPhone headphone jacks, 3 iPhone car chargers, 2 iPhone battery packs and 3 Apple smart watches at Aftab's premises.
The products had an estimated value of R720 000.
Mhlakuvana said Aftab has since paid the fine.
