Bogus DVDs flood SA market
2004-12-13 13:19
Johannesburg - As the war against piracy
continues, the Southern African Federation Against Copyright Theft (Safact)
revealed on Monday that nearly 500 000 pirated DVDs have already been
removed from South Africa's streets this year.
That is more than double the total number confiscated last year, added
the non-profit organisation representing the film industry in South Africa.
"It's a sad irony that the pirates step up their activities over the
Christmas season, and flood our streets with illegal, stolen goods," said
Safact communications adviser Neil Jacobsohn.
"The good news is that an increasing number of consumers are now saying
'no' to the idea of buying stolen goods for Christmas presents, or indeed,
at any other time."
The organisation is currently running a R10m marketing
campaign to educate consumers that piracy is theft, and that by buying
pirated DVDs and games, consumers are in fact supporting crime.
Some of Safact's activities in November include 26 raids comprising of
four customs seizures, 10 raids on Flea markets, nine raids on roadside
vendors, two home operators and one business premises.
In addition there were 47 inspections which led to 41 voluntary surrenders of product.
Furthermore, 45 warnings were issued to suspects.
The products seized were 399 VHS videos, 28 649 DVDs, 74 VCDs, 3
PlayStation I games, 595 PlayStation II games and 1,620 computer games.
More than 31 000 pirated DVDs and games were seized by police and the
film industry watchdog during the month of November.