More than R1.5 million worth of counterfeit sports merchandise and manufacturing equipment has been seized from a storage facility in the Johannesburg CBD ahead of the Springboks’ upcoming rugby clash against New Zealand.
SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said more than 1,700 counterfeit sports apparel and footwear items were seized during a multidisciplinary takedown operation conducted this week.
The operation was led by the National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit after police acted on intelligence relating to counterfeit goods stored at the facility.
Van Wyk said the operation involved members of the Gauteng Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit, Public Order Policing (POP) Unit, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs Division and brand protection representatives.
Several search-and-seizure warrants were executed during the operation, resulting in the discovery of a significant quantity of counterfeit sports apparel and footwear bearing protected and well-known brands.
Springboks merchandise among counterfeit goods
Van Wyk said Springboks-branded merchandise was among the counterfeit goods seized during the operation.
The seizure comes as South Africans and rugby supporters prepare for the Springboks’ upcoming encounter against New Zealand, a period when demand for team-branded merchandise is expected to increase.
“The timing of the seizure is particularly significant as South Africans and rugby supporters prepare for the Springboks’ upcoming encounter against New Zealand, a period when demand for team-branded merchandise is expected to increase,” Van Wyk said.
She urged members of the public to remain vigilant and purchase sports merchandise from legitimate and authorised retailers.
Manufacturing equipment also seized
In addition to the counterfeit merchandise, police seized manufacturing equipment and materials believed to have been used in the production and distribution of counterfeit goods.
These included counterfeit labels and stickers, an embossing machine and silkscreen plates.
Van Wyk said the operation formed part of ongoing nationwide efforts to target criminal networks involved in counterfeit and illicit goods.
“The operation forms part of ongoing nationwide efforts by SAPS and its law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks involved in the manufacture, distribution and sale of counterfeit and illicit goods,” Van Wyk said.
The public has been encouraged to report suspected counterfeit goods to the relevant authorities.
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