Police have once again clamped down on truckloads of counterfeit goods worth millions of rands in Bellville.
In a statement, the police said the crackdown on the illicit trade of fake goods yielded significant results as a joint operation involving the South African Police Service, Customs and Excise, and brand protection units successfully confiscated truckloads of counterfeit clothing, watches, perfumes, and other items on Wednesday.
Officers obtained a search warrant and descended on a shopping complex near the Bellville taxi rank. Two similar operations had taken place in Bellville in the past six months. Shopkeepers almost immediately abandoned their stores at the first sight of blue lights, in an attempt to evade the operation.
While no arrests have been made yet, counterfeit goods with a value exceeding R100 million were seized, along with 30 vehicles utilized for stock storage in the parking area.
The Western Cape Provincial Commissioner of Police, Lt Gen Thembilise Patekile, characterized the trade in counterfeit goods as an act of economic sabotage against the country’s fiscal health.
The commissioner personally inspected the operation at the crime scene, expressing gratitude to the team members responsible for successfully removing fake products from the province’s streets.
In a statement, Lt Gen Patakile issued a stern warning to building owners and landlords, making it clear that those aware of illegal activities on their premises are also under the scrutiny of police.
As the investigation continues, the value of the confiscated goods remains subject to change.
READ MORE: More arrests expected after massive counterfeit goods bust in Bellville
