Four Seasons Before Lunch Gauteng (Pretoria)

 I have lived in Pretoria for half my life, but even at almost 50, l still am not ready for mornings like this . I step out of  home in the morning at 7 a.m., greeted by a warm, gentle breeze and sunshine so golden it felt like summer had arrived overnight. The sky was clear; the jacaranda trees glowed purple; the air smelled of warmth and possibility. “Perfect day,” l muttered, locking his door. By the time l drive out—five minutes later—the sky starts to be darkened. A cold wind came crawling in from nowhere, sweeping dust across the pavement. The temperature dropped so suddenly that  l have  to switch the heater for warmth. Laughing. “Ah, Pretoria… you never disappoint.” Halfway to the office, the heavens opened. Not soft rain— a storm . Sheets of water hammered the road, street gutters overflowed instantly, and distant thunder rolled like a grumpy giant waking up too early. People scattered, hiding under bus shelters already too full.  “Ten minutes ago...

One store left standing as police seize counterfeit goods estimated at R24.5m in Joburg CBD

 

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Police seized counterfeit goods with an estimated value of  R24.5 million in Jeppe Street on Friday.
Police seized counterfeit goods with an estimated value of R24.5 million in Jeppe Street on Friday.
SAPS

Amid the chaos as police and SARS custom officials raided stores in the heart of the Johannesburg CBD on Friday, suspected of selling counterfeit goods with an estimated value of R24.5 million, only one shop remained standing. 

The shop owner, who did not want to be named, told News24 that it was heartbreaking to see his fellow shop owners getting their goods confiscated.

He said that his store, which primarily sold shoes and home decor, was left standing because he did not sell counterfeit goods. 

"What is happening here is very sad, I have had a shop here for 20 years, and it's sad to see my neighbours getting their things taken," he said.

On Friday, about 100 shop owners and workers watched on in disbelief and anger as hundreds of "designer" shoes and apparel were loaded into trucks in the infamous Jeppe Street. 

"Police executed a search and seizure order from the court after information was received about the buildings that are storing illegitimate goods in Johannesburg. Goods confiscated consist of local and international brands of sneakers and clothes," said police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo. 

A heavily armed contingent of JMPD and SAPS officers blocked off a portion of the street as the goods were loaded onto trucks.

Chaos broke out when law enforcement first arrived and had rocks thrown at them. 

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