Charges dropped against ‘ambush marketing’ duo

CHARGES against two Dutch women accused of an “ambush marketing” stunt at a World Cup match were dropped yesterday.

The women walked free from Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court after a settlement was reached. Barbara Castelein, 29, and Mirthe Nieuwpoort, 30, faced charges under the Merchandise Marks Act and the Special Measures Regulations. They were accused of the “unauthorised use of a trade mark at a protected event” and “entry into a designated area while in possession of a prohibited commercial object”.

They were arrested on June 16 after a group of 36 women were ejected from Soccer City in Johannesburg at the match between Holland and Denmark two days before. The women appeared in outfits to promote a Dutch brand of beer, Bavaria, which is not one of the official sponsors.