Members of the SAPS in Gauteng and other law enforcement agencies that include the Gauteng Traffic Police, City of Johannesburg Emergency Services, ER24 and legal representatives and personnel of Brand Managers/Owners, executed a search operation in Johannesburg CBD and recovered counterfeit goods to the value of an estimated R36 million.
Sixteen suspects were arrested and charged with possession of and dealing in counterfeit goods, while eight of the sixteen will each face an additional charge of being in the country illegally.
Police operationalised information that there was an illegal trade operation in a building in the Johannesburg CBD. On arrival at the building, police discovered different kinds of branded clothing and footwear of international sports and luxury clothing brands.
These were confirmed as counterfeits by the brand experts and the preliminary calculations came to the value of R36 million.
The arrested suspects are expected to appear at the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court in due course.
Meanwhile, counterfeit goods worth hundreds of millions of Rands confiscated during various operations conducted last year in the Province, will be destroyed on 23 January 2020.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
