While the nation waited for the much-anticipated kick-off between the Springboks and New Zealand, a police operation at the DHL stadium in Cape Town gave them more than they bargained for.
Police seized counterfeit goods of Springbok apparel worth over R200,000.
The provincial police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi said its continued efforts to clamp down on the illegal trade of counterfeit goods were rewarded when fake clothing was confiscated during an integrated operation close to the sports stadium in Greenpoint on Saturday, September 7, 2024.
He said the operation was conducted by members of the SAPS, City of Cape Town Law Enforcement, and brand protectors from various popular high-end products.
The multidisciplinary team team were conducting compliance inspections at stalls around the stadium.
“During the operation, the members confiscated various counterfeit goods, imitations of well-known sports brands, which resulted in the issuing of fines for the illegal informal trading without a valid permit,” Swartbooi said.
The seized items included Springbok caps, beanies, T-shirts and more.
Western Cape police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile termed the trade of counterfeit goods as economic sabotage and expressed his thanks for the successful removal of fake products from the streets of the province.
“These interventions should act as deterrent and stern warning to those who trade in counterfeit goods,” Patekile said.
In a separate incident, Public Order Police members were conducting high density patrols and stop and searches in the Gugulethu policing precinct when they stopped a suspicious vehicle in NY97 at about 8.30pm and recovered a 9mm pistol with ammunition. A group of six suspects were arrested for the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
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