In December 1998, OF&A received a call from the Upington border post regarding a shipment that had come from China via Namibia. The destination address and the description of the shipment's contents - kitchenware and table cloths - led OF&A to believe that this shipment could contain counterfeit products.

Upon opening the containers, 21 389 pairs of counterfeit designer-sportswear shoes were discovered. The total value of this shipment was estimated to be R4.7 million.

In this instance, a Chinese woman was arrested for attempting to bribe the customs officials and the South African Police, and committing a criminal offence through importation.

Increasing difficulties

The delays to the implementation of counterfeit goods inspections have led to increasing difficulty in actioning "street level" seizures. However,OF&A has recognised a pattern developing with regards to the origination and destination of various shipments, which alerts the team to a problem once they get to a port of entry such as Upington. With this information, profiles have been set up that assist both the customs officials and the investigative team.

"What is of some consolation is the fact that each time counterfeit-goods are stopped at a border post, the importer and exporter lose on their investment," comments Ockie.