Counterfeit Springboks merchandise worth R1.5m seized in Johannesburg CBD
More than R1.5 million worth of counterfeit sports merchandise and manufacturing equipment has been seized from a storage facility in Johannesburg’s CBD ahead of the Springboks’ upcoming clash against New Zealand.
The South African Police Service (SAPS), working with other law enforcement agencies and brand protection representatives, confiscated more than 1 700 counterfeit sports apparel and footwear items during a multi-disciplinary operation this week.
The operation was led by the National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit following an intelligence-driven investigation.
Members of the Gauteng Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit, Public Order Policing, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, SARS Customs and brand protection representatives took part in the operation.
Search-and-seizure warrants were executed at the storage facility, where officers discovered counterfeit merchandise bearing protected and well-known brands, including Springboks-branded products.
Police said the timing of the seizure was significant as demand for rugby merchandise is expected to increase as supporters prepare for the Springboks’ encounter against New Zealand.
Manufacturing equipment and materials allegedly used to produce counterfeit goods were also seized. These included counterfeit labels and stickers, an embossing machine and silkscreen plates.
SAPS said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks involved in the manufacture, distribution and sale of counterfeit and illicit goods.
The public has been urged to buy sports merchandise from legitimate and authorised retailers and report suspected counterfeit goods to the relevant authorities.
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