Duo held over fake washing powder

A FATHER and daughter duo from Springs in Johannesburg are expected to appear in court today for allegedly manufacturing and selling fake washing powder.

The pair's illicit trade was uncovered by the Hawks earlier this month when the specialised unit's Serious Commercial Crime Investigating team together with Brand protectors from Spoor & Fisher Attorneys assisted by members of Public Order Policing (POP) from Springs executed a search and seizure operation in terms of counterfeit goods Act 37 of 1997, at the premises in Selection Park, Springs on April 1.

Hawks spokesperson, Philani Nkwalase said the counterfeit goods were found at a clandestine factory and was valued at R1.3 million.

The 42-year-old man his daughter were served with a J175 summons.

“A search operation was preceded by an in-depth investigations into the manufacturing and sale of counterfeit washing powder at the said premises.

“Samples of the counterfeit products were purchased whilst the Intellectual Property Rights Section of the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation based at the Hawks head office were carrying out their preliminary investigation along with brand protectors.

“The Hawks-led team found that the premises was a large-scale manufacturing and distribution facility. Huge amounts of raw materials including machinery as well as industrial sifting machine, unbranded washing powder along with counterfeit labels bearing well-known trademarks of various proprietors, sodium, filled and empty buckets, electronic scales, colouring and dye were all found and seized,” said Nkwalase.

Meanwhile, another investigation by the Hawks led them to a spares workshop in Tulisa Park, Johannesburg where counterfeit vehicle bearing spares were sold to motorists under the guise of genuine NSK products. Nkwalase said a search and seizure operation was executed on April 22.

“Samples of the NSK bearings were purchased during the investigation into allegations of selling and distribution of counterfeit vehicle spares and a search warrant was obtained.

“Large quantities of bearings with NSK brand and logo were found.”. .