WESTERN CAPE: In a significant crackdown on counterfeit trade, police units in Stikland confiscated fake sporting goods valued at over R2.5 million during a targeted operation on Sunday.
According to South African Police Service, a coordinated effort by the Provincial Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Policing Team along with the Anti-Economic Task Team led to the discovery and seizure of the counterfeit items. The operation began early at approximately 09:00 AM in Brug Street, where authorities targeted a suspicious Scania truck parked at a previously identified premises. Upon searching the vehicle, police found 22 bags full of counterfeit branded sporting socks. Further examination of the truck’s contents led to the recovery of a larger consignment of various sporting goods, all identified as counterfeit.
While no arrests have been made in connection with the raid, the operation marks a substantial victory in the fight against economic crimes in the region. Lt Gen (Adv.) Thembisile Patekile, the Provincial Co
mmissioner of the Western Cape, emphasized the detrimental impact of counterfeit trading on the economy, labeling it as economic sabotage. He assured the public that efforts would persist to eradicate counterfeit products from the market. Additionally, Commissioner Patekile warned landlords of potential legal consequences if found complicit or aware of illegal activities conducted on their properties.