…By Roland Peterson for TDPel Media.
Police authorities in Rustenburg have conducted a major operation targeting the sale of counterfeit goods in two shopping centers in the town.
The crackdown resulted in the seizure of counterfeit items valued at R14 million.
The operation was a collaborative effort involving the Provincial Commercial Crime Investigation Unit (CCIU), Rustenburg Crime Intelligence (CI), South African Revenue Services (SARS), Customs, and Law Firms.
Raids Lead to Apprehension and Fine Imposed on Suspects
During the raids conducted at Rustenburg Mall and City Square Shopping Centre, nine shops were targeted.
While some shop owners managed to escape, four individuals were apprehended.
The four suspects were issued fines amounting to R1500 for their involvement in the sale of counterfeit goods.
Durban Intercepts Container Holding Counterfeit Goods Worth R400 Million
In a separate incident last month in Durban, law enforcement intercepted a shipping container at an Isipingo depot.
The container was found to contain counterfeit goods with an estimated value of R400 million.
The items seized included Springbok rugby T-shirts, spectacles, and various name-brand products such as Louis Vuitton, Versace, and Gucci.
Authorities suspect that the goods originated from an Asian country, and investigations are ongoing to determine the intended destination and potential recipients.
Mozambican National Sentenced for Unlawful Possession of Counterfeit Goods
A 43-year-old Mozambican national, Anatercia Timane, has been found guilty and sentenced by the Mbombela Commercial Crimes Court.
Timane was charged with 733 counts of unlawful possession of counterfeit goods and was fined R100,000.
Additionally, she received a three-year prison sentence, with half of the term suspended for five years on the condition of no further conviction under the Counterfeit Goods Act.
Timane was arrested at the Lebombo Border Post in possession of counterfeit goods worth over R1.9 million in March 2023.
Confiscated Goods to be Forfeited and Destroyed
The court ruled that the confiscated goods be forfeited to the state and properly destroyed.
This decision underscores the commitment to combatting the proliferation of counterfeit goods in the region.
The successful operations in Rustenburg and Mbombela demonstrate the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to protect consumers and preserve the integrity of intellectual property rights.