By Buziwe Nocuze
Police in the Western Cape have confiscated counterfeit goods valued at over R2.5-million in Stikland, Bellville, Cape Town.
The bust happened on Sunday, 13 October, when the provincial counterfeit and illicit goods policing team and the anti-economic task team followed up on a search warrant.
SAPS spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi said the operation began on Brug Street, where officers searched a suspicious truck.
“The officers found 22 bags of [counterfeit] branded sporting socks inside the truck,” Swartbooi said.
“As the search continued, more counterfeit sporting goods were discovered and confiscated. Although no arrests have been made yet, the counterfeit items were valued at over R2.5-million.”
Western Cape SAPS provincial commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile described the sale of counterfeit goods as “economic sabotage” and said the teams would continue working to remove fake products from the province’s streets.
He also warned landlords that they will face consequences if they are aware of illegal activities happening on their properties.
Resident Lulama Njajula said many people didn’t realise selling fake products was illegal.
“I was surprised when I heard about the fake goods being taken in Bellville. I didn’t think selling counterfeit items was a problem. We are learning every day,” Njajula said.
Pictured above: The Western Cape SAPS confiscated counterfeit goods valued at R2.5-million in Stikland.
Source: Supplied.
