Counterfeit cds, dvds and computer games worth R30-million were destroyed in Durban at the weekend in an operation between the SA Revenue Services (Sars), the police and the SA Federation Against Copyrights Theft.
Sars spokesperson Sechaba Nkosi said in a statement on Sunday that 14 people were arrested in raids conducted around Durban at the weekend.
”Among the seized counterfeits and pirates are titles such as Farenheit 9/11, Shrek 2, Spiderman 2 and Garfield The Movie, some of whom are not yet in circuit in South Africa,” Nkosi said.
He said counterfeits and pirates were fast replacing drugs as easy ways to fund terrorism and organised crime in the world.
”Since the beginning of the year 26 people have been successfully prosecuted for counterfeits and pirates in South Africa,” said Nkosi.
”The pirates and counterfeits are imported into the country illegally and have a competitive advantage in respect of price and also encourage the unaware SA public to support this illegal trade.” – Sapa