South African Revenue Service customs officials at Kopfontein Border Post detained 15 750 suspected counterfeit Bafana Bafana jerseys. The consignment valued at R9,43 million was detained at the border post with Botswana after an inspection was conducted as a result of mis-declaration (declared as shoes) to SARS Customs.
The truck was carrying 126 bales each containing 125 suspected counterfeit shirts. Each of the shirts had a R599 price tag and was destined for Gauteng. Customs officials have also detained the truck carrying the goods, which will form part of the SARS Customs investigation.
Last week, SARS Customs operating at Lebombo Border post with Mozambique detained 602 counterfeit Bafana Bafana jerseys with a value of R360 598 after the truck driver did not declare them to SARS. The driver was fined by officials and the counterfeit jerseys detained.
The change in methods to smuggle illicit goods into the country by road transport via our neighbouring states was anticipated and SARS customs has put in place additional measures to deal with these attempts.
SARS continues to urge members of the public to report any suspicious trading activity on our toll free Anti Corruption and Fraud Hotline on 0800 00 28 70.
Issued by: South African Revenue Service
8 June 2010
Source: South African Revenue Service (http://www.sars.gov.za)
