Cops hit city centre with counterfeit operation

Polokwane city centre was abuzz yesterday (Wednesday) morning when Police and other law enforcers hit the streets during an operation focussing especially on counterfeit goods as well as illegal business operations.
Moving with law enforcers it was clear that no stone would be left unturned and not a single store escaped their thorough search. Members of the Police, South African Revenue Services (Sars) Customs as well as Polokwane Municipality’s traffic and community safety officials engaged in the operation.
It was learnt during the operation that officials mostly focussed on counterfeit goods such as ointments and other medicinal supplements which, according to a Customs official, originate largely from Zambia. He described Zambia as the biggest source of illicit ointments to South Africa.
Officials also searched for clothes and shoes as well as illegal cigarettes being sold in the central business district. Fines were issued to business owners who do not comply with the by-laws.
Besides the city centre the operation was also anticipated to move to other parts of Polokwane where businesses were expected to be raided in the process, it was learnt.

Story/photos: RC Myburgh
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