Police seized fake rugby items. (Supplied/Saps)

• Police and City of Cape Town law enforcement officials seized fake rugby apparel worth R200 000 outside DHL Stadium on Saturday.
• Several fines were issued to vendors.
• The operation was carried out while the Springboks and the All Blacks were locked in a thrilling match inside the stadium.

While thousands of rugby fanatics watched the nail-biting match between arch-rivals the Springboks and the All Blacks at DHL Stadium in Green Point, Cape Town, on Saturday, police tackled vendors selling fake rugby apparel outside the stadium.

Western Cape police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi said counterfeit goods worth R200 000 were seized during an operation by the police and City of Cape Town law enforcement.

“The operation between members of SAPS, law enforcement and brand protectors from various popular high-end products kicked off when members attached to the operation conducted compliance inspections at stalls around the stadium.

“During the operation, the members confiscated various counterfeit goods and imitations of well-known sports brands, which resulted in the issuing of fines for illegal informal trading without a valid permit,” Swartbooi said. 

Provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile welcomed the removal of the goods and said the vendors’ actions amounted to economic sabotage.

Patekile added:

The Springboks secured a narrow 18-12 victory over the All Blacks in a thrilling Rugby Championship Test in Cape Town to claim the Freedom Cup for the first time since 2009.

Boks skipper Siya Kolisi scored the game’s opening try early in the second half.

The Boks have now beaten the All Blacks four times in a row – the first time since 1949.