| Hawks seized counterfeit goods in Pietermaritzburg | |
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| Date Published: | 2025/08/18 |
| Description Details: | |
Media Statement
KWAZULU-NATAL - On Saturday, 16 August 2025, the Hawks members from Pietermaritzburg Serious Commercial Crime Investigation seized suspected counterfeit Smirnoff products from a liquor store in Pietermaritzburg. The investigation was triggered by a complainant filed in June 2025 by an individual who, upon vising the store found that the shop was offering Smirnoff bottles for sale at the unusually low price of R140-00. Suspecting that the products might be counterfeit, the complainant purchased a bottle for further analysis. The samples was then analysed by experts, who confirmed that the bottle indeed contained counterfeit Smirnoff. Upon receiving this information, the complainant reported the discovery to the police who subsequently referred the case to the Hawks for further investigation. On 16 August 2025, the Hawks executed a search warrant at the store seizing different sizes of suspected counterfeit Smirnoff products with an estimated street value of R24 000-00. No arrests have been made at this stage and investigation continues. The KwaZulu-Natal Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Head, Major General (Dr) Lesetja Senona welcomed the seizure and applauded the members for the good work. Ends
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