POLICE in Cape Town have seized R100 million worth of fong kong products, including perfumes, clothes, and watches, among other products.
The operation happened in the Bellville area on Wednesday morning, 22 November, at a complex close to the Bellville taxi rank.
Police spokesman in Western Cape, Colonel Andre Traut, said the move by cops is to clamp on illegal trade.
Traut said there was a commotion in the complex when the officers arrived for the operation.
“Upon the arrival of SAPS, shopkeepers abandoned their stores and fled the scene, but this did not prevent the operation from continuing. Although arrests are yet to be made, counterfeit goods valued at over R100 million as well as 30 vehicles which were used to store stock in the parking area were seized,” said Traut.
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Shop owners in the area said they feel like cops are targeting them since there was another recent operation where more fong kong goods were confiscated.
“We are just going to close because it cannot go on like this,” said an Ethiopian shop owner who didn’t want to be named.
Western Cape Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile said the trade of counterfeit goods was economic sabotage to the fiscus of the country.
Patekile applauded cops for the successful operation to remove fake products from the Western Cape.
Patekile has warned building owners and landlords who are aware of the illegal activities on their premises.
Traut said the investigation is still underway, and the value of the confiscated goods could change.
