In a significant victory against intellectual property crime, the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team in Gqeberha has successfully served a J175 summons in a major counterfeit operation.
According to the Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba, the action follows a detailed investigation sparked by a complaint lodged on behalf of Apple Incorporated, the global technology leader based in California, USA.
“Apple had raised concerns after counterfeit iPhone merchandise was suspected of being sold at a local outlet within a certain company situated in Summerstrand Village, Gqeberha.”
He added that after confirmation that the items were counterfeit, the matter was then referred to the Hawks for further investigation. “Following swift investigative work, a search and seizure operation was conducted on 22 July 2025 at the identified premises. This led to the confiscation of 60 counterfeit iPhone silicone covers, to an estimated value of R60 000.00.”
As a result, Fumba said that the accused (33), an Indian national, along with his company, were both charged with 60 counts of contravening the Counterfeit Goods Act 37 of 1997, read with the Trade Marks Act 194 of 1993.
“A J175 summons was successfully served, compelling the accused to appear before the Gqeberha Magistrates’ Court on 26 August.”
The matter was remanded to 4 September for further proceedings.
