In a joint intelligence-driven operation between the SAPS and legal representatives of the brand owners, police on Thursday 21 November 2019, pounced on a plot in Meyerton and uncovered a counterfeit spice factory. This was part of Operation O Kae Molao that was conducted in the Sedibeng District on the same day, where over 600 suspects were arrested for various other crimes.
On arrival at the plot, police took in 10 foreign nationals who were immediately handed over to Immigration Officers from the Department of Home Affairs, for verification of their status in the country. Eight were from Mozambique while two were Chinese nationals.
The operation continued on Friday morning, 22 November 2019 to confiscate the counterfeit spices worth multi-million Rand, pending confirmation by brand owners once the operation to confiscate the goods is concluded.
On the property, police also confiscated bags of different types of powder used to produce the illicit spices, as well as equipment and machinery suspected of being utilized for processing and packaging.
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela has commended the teams for the successful operation in line with the SAPS concerted efforts to fight the scourge of counterfeit goods.
“Operations of this nature, over and above Operation O Kae Molao, will continue and will be intensified as police gear up to turn the tide against crime. With these, police will also be conducting more operations to ensure that the residents and visitors of Gauteng enjoy a safer festive season,” said the Provincial Commissioner.
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