In February 2025, ITAC Import and Export Control – Enforcement Unit registered criminal cases in Durban for illegal importation of worn second-hand footwear (shoes). The case was against three companies, namely Thomas Donkor, Prince Global and Akwaaba Business Enterprise.
The matter was recently finalised in a trial at the Durban Commercial Crimes Court in KwaZulu-Natal on 28 August 2025, where all three accused were found guilty of contravening section 6 of the ITA Act 71 of 2002.The illegal imported goods will also be confiscated and forfeited to the state.
Below are judgements handed down to the accused:
1.State (ITAC) v Akwaaba Business Enterprise (Cas 99/02/2025)
Facts of the Case: The suspect contravened Section 54(1)(a) of the International Administration Act 71 of 2002, through illegally imported worn second-hand footwear (shoes).
Court Decision or Judgment: The court fined the company R20 000, in which this amount will be paid into Criminal Assets Recovery Act account (CARA).
2. State v Prince Global Rep (Cas 82/02/2025)
Facts of the Case: The suspect also contravened Section 54(1)(a) of the International Administration Act 71 of 2002, through illegally imported worn second-hand footwear (shoes). Furthermore, the accused was sentenced to R50 000 wholly suspended for 5 years.
Court Decision or Judgment: The court fined the company R40 000, in which this amount will also be paid into Criminal Assets Recovery Act account (CARA).
3. State v Thomas Donkor Trading (Cas 80/02/2025)
Facts of the Case: The suspect contravened Section 54(1)(a) of the International Administration Act 71 of 2002, through illegally imported worn second-hand footwear (shoes).
Court Decision or Judgment: The court fined the company R50 000, in which this amount will be paid into Criminal Assets Recovery Act account (CARA). Furthermore, the accused was sentenced to R150 000 wholly suspended for 5 years.
Significance for all three cases: This will set a precedence and discourage the illegal importation of all goods that are strictly controlled under section 6 of ITA Act 71 2002.
ISSUED BY THE INTERNATIONAL TRADE ADMINISTRATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH AFRICA