The Hawks say they have seized counterfeit vehicle parts and accessories worth half a million rand, that were being sold to customers as genuine Ford parts.
On Friday, the Hawks raided businesses in the Lifestyle Centre in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg. The raids were preceded by a test purchase of goods in order to obtain a search warrant.
#sapsHQ A large quantity of vehicle parts were seized on Thursday during a search and seizure disruptive operation in line with the Counterfeit Goods Act 37 of 1997 executed on three businesses trading in the Lifestyle Centre in Johannesburg. MLhttps://t.co/uUwHJzBx9N pic.twitter.com/yUKfhqsoqM
— SA Police Service ?? (@SAPoliceService) May 6, 2022
The Hawks say during the search large quantities of vehicle parts and accessories bearing the Ford brand and Logo were found.
Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Philani Nkwalase says, “The goods worth a combined value of R500 000 were seized and transported to the designated counterfeit goods depot pending the finalization of the criminal and civil cases against the suspects. The suspected duo aged 25 and 29 will at the later stage be served with J175 summons to appear in court for contravention of the counterfeit goods Act.”
Earlier this week, Parliament’s Standing Committee on Finance expressed concern about the deluge of counterfeit goods into the country saying this threatens the economy.
As a result, the committee said it will embark on an oversight visit to three major ports of entry.
The committee will visit OR Tambo International Airport, Beitbridge border and the Durban Harbour to conduct an inspection of the South African Revenue Service (SARS)’s custom duties.
The video below is reporting more on the story:
