The Provincial Commissioner of the police in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, has commended a multi-disciplinary team that arrested four suspects for possession and dealing in counterfeit goods as well as for the seizure of R9.7 million worth of counterfeit goods.
On Saturday, 5 February 2022, the team comprising of SAPS members from Public Order Policing, Visible Policing and Police Reservists as well as officials from the South African Revenue Services’ Customs, PRASA, Johannesburg EMS, ER-24 and various brand protectors operationalised information that had been collected on the shops that are not complying with the Counterfeit Goods Act.
They executed search warrants issued by the Johannesburg Magistrates Court on 4 February 2022 at Dragon City, Crown Mines and Mint Street in Fordsburg.
A total of 19 400 items that included sneakers, clothes, handbags, watches as well as perfumes were seized.
The Provincial Commissioner has reiterated that the only way to reduce crime levels in Gauteng is through multiplicity of resources, community and social partnerships and this operation is indicative of the successes that can be achieved.
“These arrests should serve as a reminder that as the police we will continue to stamp the authority of the State and ensure that we protect the growth of the economic in this province. These illicit activities are basically robbing the legitimate brand owners of their revenue,” said Lt Gen Mawela.
The four arrested suspects will appear at the Johannesburg Magistrates Court on Monday, 7 February 2022 should they fail a fine of R2000-00 imposed on them.
