Gauteng Police destroy counterfeit goods in Clayville

Gauteng Premier David Makhura has said that nothing must come into South Africa illegally.

Speaking at the Counterfeit Goods Destruction Depot in Clayville on 23 January after a demonstration of the destruction of counterfeit goods, Makhura added that the law will be enforced to whoever commits any crime, even an economic crime.

“We know what the impact of counterfeit goods is on our economy. Firstly, these goods come into our country without going through various customs, regulations, and tax evasion after being brought as imports into our economy. Counterfeit goods also destroy our local industries in many respects…they undermine local production and local manufacturing.”

Makhura added that although the goods might be making up a small part of the illicit economy, this takes place together with the movement of money into the South African economy illegally, such as illicit financing, as well as drugs which come through the ports of entry.

“The matter is very important and is a matter that is receiving the attention of the six administrations led by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Some of the problems are foodstuff which finds their way into the shelves in our communities.

“I have seen cooldrinks which are on the shelves in our community, community members complain that after drinking them they experience problems – such products cause health consequences because they are dangerous for the lively hood and health of our community.”

Makhura said he was happy that he could see that the goods seized by the police are being destroyed, as that is what should be done according to the Counterfeit Goods Act. “Nothing must come into our country illegally, even human beings. People must not come into our country [illegally] because we have laws to provide for refugees and those who are migrants.

“Everything must come into our country through proper channels, and we can only do so if we have a capacity to enforce. That capacity is with the police, our security agencies and our law enforcement agencies. We will enforce the law.”

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