Power tools case: cops issue appeal

THE police have appealed for complainants to come forward if they believe they were conned by five Italian nationals allegedly selling counterfeit power tools in South Africa.

The men – Gaetano Canfora, 31, Antonio Tocco, 55, Vincenzo Olisterno, 50, and father-and-son Antonio Galliano, 52, and Diamante Galliano, 26 – appeared briefly in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate's Court on Friday, where they were remanded in custody until Thursday.

The prosecution will then make a decision on the schedule of the offence and how to proceed with their relevant bail applications. The prosecution said some of the money paid by the alleged victims had been recovered. The men, who have been in the country since June, were arrested in Port Elizabeth last week and have been in custody since.

They were allegedly found in possession of imitation power tools worth more than R3-million. The suspects were allegedly selling the power tools after rebranding them with stickers of well-known brands.

A separate investigation is under way to determine whether or not the men have links to a global syndicate known as the Camorra Mafia, based in Naples, Italy, which allegedly specialises in the sale of counterfeit power tools and drug trafficking.

According to police, the group is wanted for cases including fraud and theft in Gauteng.

Any possible witnesses or complainants are urged to contact investigating officer Warrant Officer Neil Hoffman on 072-720-4606 before Thursday's court appearance. - Kathryn Kimberley