NELSPRUIT - A joint operation by the SAPS from Bethal, Govan Mbeki Law enforcement team, Govan Mbeki Environmental Health Practitioners and Electricians conducted an operation on Friday, 19 August 2022, and raided several shops to ensure compliance and law enforcement.

During the operation, illicit goods including backpacks, shoe polish, cigarette cartons, watches, belts and T-shirts worth about R20 000 were confiscated.

The Govan Mbeki Law Enforcement team issued business owners with fines to the value of about R8000 for non-compliance, possession of counterfeit goods and illegal electricity connections. Retail store owners were warned not to display goods on the pavement in front of the shops as they are distracting people's movements in the CBD.

Furthermore, a 34-year-old man was arrested for contravention of Immigration Act of South Africa as he is alleged to be a foreign national from Malawi without legal documents to be in the country. He will appear at the Bethal Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 22 August 2022 facing the said charges.

The public is urged to refrain from buying counterfeit goods. Rather report those who are trading in suspected stolen property to the police. The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has appreciated the collaborative effort by the law enforcement agencies.

Source: South African Police Service