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A man was arrested for producing counterfeit yeast. PHOTO: Hawks

WHAT? Asylum seeker arrested for producing counterfeit YEAST!

The Hawks received information of counterfeit goods being sold in Mpumalanga but it turns out it is fake yeast.

counterfeit

A man was arrested for producing counterfeit yeast. PHOTO: Hawks

An asylum seeker has been arrested for selling counterfeit goods – but these goods are actually fake yeast!

ASYLUM SEEKER ARRESTED FOR COUNTERFEIT GOODS

The Hawks received a complaint about business owners who are selling Gold Star Yeast products. But the complaint further states that the yeast is counterfeit.

The matter was investigated by the brand owners, Gold Star Yeast, in collaboration with the Hawks’ head office, said spokesperson Captain Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi.

“After the investigation was completed, the matter was brought before the court.”

Captain Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi

A search and seizure warrant was authorised and executed. A large multidisciplinary law enforcement team was established to catch the fake yeast producer.

This comprised of the Mpumalanga Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team together with the Nelspruit Hawks team, Hazyview public order policing, Pienaar Tactical Response Team, White River Flying Squad and members of Adams & Adams from Gauteng.

ALSO READ: PICS: Nosey Hawks probe leads to counterfeit SNUFF facility

The man was arrested at Zoom Zoom Cash and Carry Main Road in Tonga, Sekgotodi said.

The suspect was taken to Tonga Police Station where he was charged and detained pending his first court appearance.

“He is expected to appear before the Tonga Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

HAWKS SNIFF OUT COUNTERFEIT SNUFF MANUFACTURER

Earlier this week, the Hawks sniffed out a counterfeit snuff manufacturing facility that was manufacturing fake Taxi snuff in Gauteng.

The sniffing around was done by the Intellectual Property Rights section of the Hawks’ serious team that partnered with brand protector experts from Spoor & Fisher Attorneys.

They worked with the Crime Intelligence, Flying Squad and the K9 unit of the members of the South African Police Service on Monday, said the Hawks.

The operation led them to the Vaal Rand area where they executed a search and seizure disruptive operation on Monday. This is in line with Counterfeit Goods Act.

ALSO READ: How inmates impersonated cops to scam people, while in their prison cells

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A woman is to face court for producing counterfeit snuff in Gauteng. PHOTO: Hawks

POLICE FIND FAKE SNUFF MANUFACTURING FACILITY

The team initially conducted investigations in Midrand on counterfeit manufacturing of Taxi snuff.

This led to a fully operational facility nearly 70km away in Drieziek Extension 9, Orange Farm in Gauteng, spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Philani Nkwalase said.

“During the search, multiple packets of counterfeit snuff, empty containers, tobacco and other chemicals found were seized for further investigation.”

Colonel Philani Nkwalase

ALSO READ: A R100 fake note leads TMPD to millions in counterfeit money

A female suspect is to be served with the J175 summons at a later stage to appear in court pending the finalisation of the criminal and civil cases against her. She is to be charged with contravention of the Counterfeit Goods Act.