PILES of fong kong goods worth R3 billion have been destroyed.
The illegal goods that include fake famous brands clothing, sneakers, bags, soccer boots and other items that came into the country illegally were shredded in Clayville, near Midrand on Saturday, 21 October.
This was part of the launch of the provincial operation, Safe Festive Season.
Police Minister Bheki Cele said the confiscated goods had to be destroyed so that they do not go back to the streets.
When asked about the possibility of donating the items to charities, Cele pointed out that such decisions would be made by lawmakers, who would need to consider the economic impact of donating counterfeit goods.
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He said police conducted a number of operations in the past few months to combat crime and illicit goods.
He said the R3 billion worth of counterfeit items were confiscated in Gauteng alone.
Cele was joined by the National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola and Gauteng Police Commissioner General Ellias Mawela during the destruction of goods.
“Many of the clothes were recovered stored in containers in Mohlakeng, Randfontein. They were seized during joint operations by SAPS and SARS together with stakeholders that include brand protectors and other law enforcement agencies across the province during this financial year,” said Cele.
He likened the counterfeit goods to cancer and said they worked against Mzansi's economy because people who bring them do not pay tax.
