Hawks close factory making counterfeit clothes

Picture: Financial Mail

Hawks spokesman Capt Simphiwe Mhlongo said the team had received a complaint from a Nike brand holder about street vendors who were selling the brand on the street.

"Hawks members pursued the information that led them to a certain building in the Durban CBD. A search warrant was obtained and an operation was conducted yesterday (Tuesday)‚" Mhlongo said‚ adding that the Nike brand protection manager was at the scene to identify the brand.

Counterfeit clothing, with Nike‚ Puma‚ Vans‚ Levis‚ Adidas and Roxy branding and valued at about R900‚000, was seized.

Members of the Hawks team also seized sewing machines and other equipment used to manufacture counterfeit goods.

"The owner of the factory is still at large and no arrest has been made at this stage‚" Mhlongo said.

TMG Digital