Three suspects were arrested in Belville on Thursday, for the illegal trade of counterfeit goods worth R5.1 million.
COURTESY: SAPSThe police’s Malcolm Pojie
says the takedown operation, occurred at a shopping complex close to the
Bellville taxi rank where two similar
operations have recently been conducted.
‘’ Upon the arrival, SAPS members found most of
the stores abandoned, but this did not deter the operation to be executed.
Three Somalian men in their mid-thirties were arrested,’’ said Lt Col Malcolm
Pojie.
COURTESY: SAPS‘’One of the three
arrestees, a 36 year old man was found inside a shop fronting as a copy shop,
where members confiscated a substantial amount of cash, passports, photos,
certificates, including, birth, asylum, death, refugee certificates and vehicle
licences, affidavits and a money counting machine,’’ he added.
COURTESY: SAPSThe suspects face charges
relating to the possession of counterfeit goods and fraud and is scheduled to
appear in the Bellville Magistrates’ court once charged.
Pojie said more charges
might be added as investigation by the Provincial Detective’s Commercial branch
unfolds.
Western Cape Police Commissioner,
Lt Gen (Adv) Thembisile Patekile who termed the trade of counterfeit goods as
economic sabotage of the fiscus of the country.
‘’[Patekile] expressed his
appreciation towards the members of the team who ensured the successful removal
of fake products from the streets of the Province. He also issued a warning
to building owners and landlords who are
well aware of the illegal activities on their premises that they are also in
the sights of SAPS,’’ said Lt Col
Malcolm Pojie.
Done By: Mitchum George
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