GQEBERHA – A search-and-seizure operation in Gqeberha has resulted in the confiscation of suspected counterfeit branded merchandise, marking a significant intervention in the fight against illicit trade.

The operation was conducted by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) unit.

According to the Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, the operation was conducted on 16 September at Sneaker Freakz, situated at the corner of Bell Road and Beetlestone Road, at the BP Service Station premises in Gelvandale, Gqeberha.

“The investigation was initiated following test purchases conducted by a representative of the affected brand holders,” he said. “In June, a test purchase resulted in the acquisition of sneakers suspected to be counterfeit Adidas products.”

Mhlakuvana added that a further test purchase was subsequently conducted, during which sneakers suspected to be counterfeit Nike products and Lacoste T-shirts were purchased.

“The information and evidence obtained during these interventions culminated in the opening of a case docket, prompting Hawks investigators to advance the investigation.”

The Hawks, working in collaboration with Spoor & Fisher and relevant stakeholders from the Department of Justice, subsequently executed an authorised search operation.

Mhlakuvana stated that as part of the investigative process, a search warrant was obtained, enabling the search-and-seizure operation at the identified premises.

“The operation resulted in the recovery and seizure of a substantial quantity of merchandise suspected to be counterfeit,” he said. “The estimated value of the confiscated stock is approximately R7 million.”

He added that following the seizure, the confiscated merchandise was secured for further examination.

“The investigation subsequently resulted in two suspects, aged between 30 and 40, being served with summonses for alleged contraventions of the Counterfeit Goods Act,” he said. “Painstaking investigation by the joint team identified the suspects as the owners of the retail shop.”

Both suspects were served with summonses on 29 September and are expected to make their first appearance before the Gqeberha New Law Court on 29 October.

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