Yesterday, 29 November, I was informed that counterfeit goods to the value of R24-million were seized during Operation Buya Mthetho in the Johannesburg CBD.
Three buildings were raided in Jeppe Street where 12 strong rooms were discovered in the basement. The storerooms were used to keep the counterfeit goods.
The counterfeit goods include footwear, clothes and watches of well-known brands such as Adidas, Nike, Puma, All Stars, Hubot, Tom Ford, Gucci, La Mitina, Paul, and Shark.
Operation Buya Mthetho is a multi-departmental operation aimed at enforcing by-laws and bringing the rule of law to the City of Johannesburg.
This operation is conducted on a daily basis, as a ward based “raid” initiative. Yesterday’s operation was led by the City’s Group Forensic and Investigation Services Unit in conjunction with the South African Police Service (SAPS), Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), Provincial Commercial Crime Unit and the Gauteng Traffic Police Saturation Unit.
It is essential that we bring back the rule of law in our City and take it back from the criminal elements.
We are committed to ensuring that we stop the rot in our inner city and make it a prosperous and inclusive place for our people to live work and play.
I would like to encourage people to report any fraud and corruption activities through our 24hour tipoff hotline 0800 002 587 or visit the offices of GFIS situated at 48 Ameshoff Street, Braamfontein.
Cllr Herman Mashaba
Executive Mayor
City of Joburg
For further information, please contact
Lucky Sindane
Director: Strategic Stakeholder Management
Group Forensic and Investigation Service
Cell: 065 865 0696
Email: LuckySi@joburg.org.za
