An estimated value of R24.5 million in counterfeit goods was confiscated by law enforcement officials.
“Our concern is that the South African government is totally ignoring foreign nationals and undermining our businesses.”Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said the joint operation by South African Police Service, Johannesburg Metro Police Department, Customs Officials and Brand holders raided buildings in the Johannesburg city centre, where they confiscated counterfeit goods to the estimated value of R24.5 million.
Police executed a search and seizure order from the court after information was received about the buildings in which illegal goods were being stored.“Such operations will continue in Gauteng as long as there are people who are trading in illegitimate and counterfeit goods,” Masondo said.In 2019, police faced off with foreign shop owners when the raid turned into a tense stand-off.
At the time, the videos of the police running away from vendors - many of them foreign nationals - caused a massive outcry from the public and various political parties.“It is not fair that police shoot us with rubber bullets . We are human beings. They have come and destroyed our livelihoods. We are foreign nationals from different countries who have come here to seek refuge from wars in our countries of birth. Just like South Africans did during the apartheid years.
“It is only some of us who are being targeted by Brand Holders. Not everyone. The South African government does not care about us. We are paying with our lives.”
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