More than R4 million in ‘counterfeit spices’ seized in Gauteng

R4.5 million in suspected counterfeit spices and packaging have been seized from premises on Old Vereeniging Road on Thursday in Gauteng.

Gauteng MEC for community safety Faith Mazibuko took to Twitter to share images of the goods seized during a warrant search by members of Kliprivier visible policing with the assistance of Spoor & Fisher, a firm that handles the prosecution and enforcement of trademarks, patents, designs, and copyrights.

In Mazibuko’s pictures, there are mountains of sticker rolls that belong to various spices that are under the Unilever brand as well as marked and unmarked spices.

ALSO READ: Covid-19: ‘Broke’ Eastern Cape govt unable to buy PPE for schools in 2021

A hot glue gun was also among the items found.

“R4.5 million worth of spices and packaging were seized and taken to the depot of Spoor & Fisher.

“A Tunisian born with RSA ID was detained,” said Mazibuko, adding that the ID was suspected to be fake as well.

1/2. On Thursday 31 December 2020 members of Kliprivier VISPOL, with the assistance of Spoor and Fisher, executed a search warrant at premises next to Old Vereeniging road in respect of counterfeit spices under the Unilever brand. pic.twitter.com/ZRALtOakPT

— MEC Faith Mazibuko (@FaithMazibukoSA) December 31, 2020

2/2. R4.5 million worth of spices and packaging were seized and taken to the depot of Spoor and Fisher. A Tunisian born with RSA ID was detained. ID suspected to be fraudulent. pic.twitter.com/qm8Mn836rR

— MEC Faith Mazibuko (@FaithMazibukoSA) December 31, 2020

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.