JOHANNESBURG. – More than 1 700 counterfeit sports items, including Springboks merchandise, have been seized at a storage facility in Johannesburg's city centre during the week. The items are valued at more than R1.5 million.
According to Captain Amanda van Wyk, spokesperson for the South African Police Service, the national unit for counterfeit and illegal goods led the operation after information was received.
The Gauteng unit for counterfeit and illegal goods, the police's public order unit, Johannesburg Metro Police, the SAPS customs division and trademark protection representatives took part in the operation.
According to the police statement, the sports merchandise and shoes carried well-known trademarks, including the Springboks trademark.
The timing of the seizure was critical, as South African rugby supporters prepared during the week for the Springboks' match against New Zealand, which took place yesterday in Soweto. During such occasions, demand for supporter merchandise is usually higher.
The manufacturing equipment found included counterfeit labels and stickers, as well as a stamping machine and screen-printing plates.
The operation was part of a larger, nationwide effort by the SAPS and its partners. They aim to disrupt criminal networks that manufacture, distribute and sell counterfeit and illegal goods.
The SAPS urged the public to remain vigilant. People must buy sports merchandise and items at legitimate and authorised stores. The public was also encouraged to report suspected counterfeit goods to the relevant authorities.
This article is an automatic English translation of a Nuusflits article originally published in Afrikaans. Read the Afrikaans original.
