Police seize R50m in counterfeit goods
2011-12-02 21:22
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Johannesburg
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Johannesburg - During a week-long exercise to fight piracy, more than R50m in counterfeit goods was confiscated in Johannesburg, Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa said on Friday.
"[The raids] focused on the manufacturers... The big boys," Mthethwa said during a briefing at the Gauteng police's head office to launch a national anti-piracy campaign.
He said piracy had a negative effect on the economy and employment.
"This is a serious economic crime."
The campaign would later spread to other provinces and feedback would be given early next year.
Before the briefing Mthethwa, accompanied by a large number of police officers, made his way through downtown Johannesburg, greeting large groups of people as news of his visit spread.
Police raided stalls at the North Street taxi rank in the city centre, and surrounding areas selling pirated merchandise, such as clothing and DVDs.
Major General Theko Pharasi said the raids had started on Friday last week.
"It's been very effective. We have confiscated tons and tons of goods."
A total of 30 people had been arrested in the past week.
- SAPA