Bad day for stadium vendors as law enforcement seize counterfeits worth millions
Last weekend may have been the best day for the Springboks but street traders were left counting the losses when law enforcement and brand protectors pounced on their last-minute operation, seizing 1.1m worth of counterfeit apparel.
A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY operation resulted in the recovery of more than R1.1m worth of counterfeit Springboks-branded apparel by the Metro Police working together with other law enforcement agencies. The weekend operation followed the increased demand when the Springboks were set to clash with Argentina on Saturday in Durban.
The operation resulted in the recovery of 781 Springboks-branded clothing items, including caps, hats, scarves, T-shirts, beanies, and earmuffs.
Metro Police Spokesperson Colonel Boysie Zungu said: “The operation was executed under the provisions of the Counterfeit Goods Act, ensuring the removal of illicit merchandise from circulation and thus protecting the integrity of legitimate brands.”
Zungu said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to curb crime in the City in all its forms.
Durban Metro Police Tracing Team collaborated with the SAPS Provincial Counterfeit, Contraband and Illicit Goods Unit (KZN) and RSA Brand Protectors.
SAPS Spokesperson Lt Col Amanda van Wyk explained, “Acting under the authority of the Counterfeit Goods Act, 1997, custom officials and brand protectors play a crucial role in identifying, verifying, and detaining counterfeit items. The Act protects intellectual property rights by prohibiting and preventing the trade in and manufacturing of counterfeit goods.”
These recent operations form part of ongoing local and national efforts to disrupt organised criminal networks, protect legitimate businesses, and safeguard the public from potentially harmful products.
For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here
