Trading in counterfeit goods is one of the biggest threats to economic order and growth in this country therefore as law enforcement every effort must be made to clamp down on illicit counterfeit transactions.
Counterfeit goods with an estimated value of R1,469 700-00 was confiscated in a joint operation by the Port of Ngqura border policing and patent attorneys, Spoor and Fisher on Thursday, 18 February 2021 at a mall in Port Elizabeth.
It is alleged that at about 09:00 on the mentioned date, the Commander of the Port of Ngqura, Col Christopher Zondi received information of counterfeit goods being sold at a shop at a popular mall in the Kabega Park policing area. Immediately Operation Seiskhona was activated and the relevant role-players contacted.
Police accompanied by a representative from the patent attorney’s office searched the shop and counterfeit goods mainly perfumes and board games were confiscated at the retail store.
A warning was issued to the store manager for contravention of patent laws through trading in counterfeit goods. The goods were handed over to registered patent attorneys for storage.
Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lt Gen Liziwe Ntshinga welcomed the seizure and lauded the swift actions of Col Zondi and his team. In order to stop the illicit trade and counterfeiting of goods, she urged the communities to report any information relating to such to the toll-free hotline.
‘Illicit trading in counterfeit goods threatens the finances affecting the economy of the country. The purpose of reporting this information is to assist law enforcement mitigate and address the threat. I encourage more operations of this nature,’ added Lt Gen Ntshinga.
The illicit crime hotline is 0800 014 856. Should one not be able to call the hotline, then an e-mail may be sent to: reportillicit@cgcsa.co.za. All information may be anonymous and will be treated with confidence.
Col Priscilla Naidu
071 362 8726
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