Duo arrested for counterfeit Springbok jerseys; SA Rugby warns supporters of buying 'fake' apparel

Two women, aged 25 and 47, were arrested in Brackenfell on Thursday, after they were caught red handed with counterfeit goods.

PICTURE: SAPS

The police’s FC van Wyk said amongst the items confiscated were branded and unbranded Springbok jerseys.

PICTURE: SAPS

‘’ Police members attached the Western Cape Commercial Crimes unit pursued information pertaining a premises used to manufacture counterfeit goods in Brackenfell. The members prepared an application for a search warrant, which was presented to the Senior Public Prosecutor and ultimately approved by the Magistrate for execution,’’ said Captain F.C van Wyk.

PICTURE: SAPS

‘’On Thursday 14 September 2023 the police members executed the search warrant when they entered a local business premises in Fourie Street, Brackenfell. They confiscated 67 branded and 50 unbranded Springbok jerseys, 513 cuffs and collars and 7 working stations,’’ he added.

PICTURE: SAPS

The duo are expected to appear in the Blue Down Magistrates’ court, soon, on the mentioned charge.

SA Rugby previously warned supporters and consumers against buying any Springbok apparel from online outlets who pass themselves off as “official” but end up scamming fans.

It said that authentic Springbok supporters wear is only available online from a number of legitimate websites, such as www.sarugbyshop.co.za, on the digital platforms of well-known retailers such as Sportsmans Warehouse, Totalsports and Studio88, and established online retailers such as www.superbalist.com.

“We’ve seen many websites pop up online calling themselves ‘official’ to get on the Springbok bandwagon, but they never deliver and consumers end up out of pocket,” said Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby.

“They cut-and-paste genuine marketing material from Nike to pass themselves off as having stock – even at discounted prices. But they are deceiving the public who should only purchase from established outlets from brands with which they are familiar.

“We realise many supporters are keen to get their hands on the new range from Nike, but we would warn them to only buy from official and well-known outlets or risk being defrauded.”

Oberholzer advised fans to stay away from websites such as www.sarugbystore.co.za or www.rugbyworldcupstore.co.za, as well as accounts on social media advertising Springbok-branded gear at unrealistically reduced prices.

He said SA Rugby is in the process of taking the sites down.

 

Done By: Mitchum George