By Marcus Moloko
Counterfeit Bafana Bafana jerseys were among hundreds of fake clothing items confiscated during a by-law enforcement operation in Marabastad on Saturday.
The multi-agency raid, led by City of Tshwane Executive Mayor Dr. Nasiphi Moya in partnership with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) customs unit, forms part of the municipality’s aggressive “Reclaim our city” strategy targeting illicit trade, hijacked infrastructure, and unlicensed businesses across Pretoria.
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Shops in Marabastad were raided, with dozens of unregistered salons and trading outlets on Madiba Street shut down for lacking valid municipal licences.
The operation also uncovered a massive stash of counterfeit Bafana Bafana jerseys, capitalising on national team events, and sold at a fraction of the legitimate retail price.
Mayor Moya said the counterfeit trade was undermining the local economy and robbing consumers of quality products.
“We know that this T-shirt goes for R1,600 at legitimate retail shops. Here in Marabastad, we see many shops selling it illegally. Of course, this is illicit trading. We are not alone -with the TMPD and SARS Customs, we said the nonsense happening at Marabastad would be clamped down. This thing is drowning the economy. If people can buy fake stuff, it means genuine products cannot be bought. Residents of Tshwane must be aware,” she warned.
The clampdown comes amid growing national tension over undocumented foreign nationals, with activist groups preparing for intensified protest action on Tuesday, 30 June.
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The March and March movement has spearheaded protests across the country, demanding stricter immigration enforcement and threatening a self-declared deadline for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa.
Law enforcement has warned that the protests could escalate, with Gauteng Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni announcing fines of R10,000 per person for South Africans found harbouring or illegally employing undocumented foreign nationals.
Law enforcement agencies have rolled out a R600 million mobilisation plan, deploying drones, helicopters, and thousands of officers to monitor hotspots.
Meanwhile, ahead of the planned 30 June demonstrations, hundreds have gathered at Walter Sisulu Square in Kliptown, Soweto, for the “March for our townships” protest march.
Organisers say the march focuses on undocumented immigration and support for township businesses.
