A 58-year-old Durban trader has been handed a two-year prison sentence — or the option of paying a R20 000 fine — after being found guilty of violating the Counterfeit Goods Act in the Durban Magistrate's Court.
Hawks operation uncovers fake branded merchandise
Mohammed Hassen Musetefa was sentenced on Friday, 20 March 2026, following a conviction that arose from a Hawks investigation launched in 2025. Intelligence gathered by the priority crimes unit pointed to a shop on Dr Yusuf Dadoo Street in Durban's city centre that was allegedly trading in counterfeit merchandise.
When officers moved in on the premises, they confiscated fake Galxboy-branded products with an estimated street value of R106 500. Musetefa was subsequently issued with a summons to appear before the Durban Magistrate's Court on 3 July 2025 to face charges under the Counterfeit Goods Act.
The matter went through several court appearances before the accused was ultimately convicted and sentenced.
Suspended sentence comes with strict conditions
The court opted to suspend half of the sentence for a period of five years. The suspension is conditional on Musetefa not being found guilty of a similar offence during that time. Should he reoffend, the full weight of the original sentence will apply.
"The Hawks seized Galxboy counterfeit products with an estimated street value of R106 500."
The case underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement to clamp down on the sale of counterfeit goods in KwaZulu-Natal, a trade that costs legitimate brands millions of rands each year and undermines consumer trust. Durban's bustling commercial districts have long been identified as hotspots for the distribution of fake branded products.
Authorities have urged members of the public to report suspected counterfeit trading operations, warning that those found guilty face significant penalties including imprisonment and heavy fines under the Act.
South Africa's counterfeit goods trade undermines local brands like Galxboy, which has grown from a homegrown streetwear label into a nationally recognised name, making the protection of its intellectual property vital for emerging entrepreneurs. For small businesses in Durban's commercial hubs, counterfeit competition erodes revenue and discourages investment. The relatively light sentence may raise questions about whether current penalties sufficiently deter offenders, though increased Hawks activity signals a broader enforcement push that could reshape trading conditions in KwaZulu-Natal.
