Today, 30 November 2018, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) along with the South African Police Services (SAPS), the Provincial Commercial Crime Unit, the Gauteng Traffic Police Saturation Unit, and the City’s Group Forensic Investigation Services (GFIS) unit uncovered counterfeit goods to the value of R18 million during Operation Buya Mthetho in the inner-city.
The counterfeit goods found today at the Lancet Hall building on Rahima Moosa Street 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.
These discoveries are as a result of a counterfeit goods-focused operation every day for the past week. During this week’s operation R64 million in counterfeit goods was discovered.
During an earlier operation in Nugget Street, a warehouse used to manufacture illegal goods from various products was also discovered.
At this warehouse, undocumented persons were also found – some of whom were believed to be held on the site against will. Another group of undocumented persons working in a restaurant illegally were also found hiding underneath industrial stoves at the establishment.
So far, a total of 32 undocumented persons have been detected via the operation.
It is essential that we bring back the rule of law in our City and take it back from the criminal elements. I want to thank all the stakeholders involved for their commitment to ensuring Johannesburg residents are safe and protected from illegal activities. 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.
The operations which have been carried out this week once again illustrate the City’s resolve for ensuring that the rule is upheld within our city.
Further to this, it is essential that the national department of Home Affairs finally takes action and ensures that those entering the country do so legally. Failure to do so indeed put those persons at risk from exploitation, such as in the present circumstances.
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 Johannesburg
For further information, please contact:
Sergeant Tessa Adams
JMPD Spokesperson
082 464 7810
tessaam@joburg.org.za
Or
Chantelle Fourie-Shawe
Media Specialist: Office of the Executive Mayor
081 546 1014
chantellef@joburg.org.za
