Knock-off World Cup souvenirs flood South Africa

Counterfeit merchandise being sold on the streets of South Africa is costing FIFA's official World Cup suppliers thousands of dollars in lost sales.

Fake t-shirts, flags and other souvenirs are said to be selling like hotcakes as the country's gears up for the start of the tournament in just over a week (June 11).

South Africans have been encouraged to purchase "Bafana Bafana" shirts, to show their support for the national team. However, many have complained bitterly about the high cost of the official Adidas jerseys so have opted for the lower priced knock-off shirts available via traders often based at traffic lights.

A genuine replica jersey of the "Bafana Bafana" team is sold at licenced shops in South Africa for nearly £60, compared to the fakes ones that can be found for as low as £10.

Street vendors and other traders say they are constantly under surveilance by police, who also confiscate the merchandise they sell.

South African customs officials and police recently discovered large amounts of fake goods at Johannesburg Airport and other locations, including £1.7 million worth of national team shirts.

The counterfeit jerseys, which were made in China, were destined for Swaziland and Mozambique.

"Everybody in South Africa whether it's citizens or visitors, they should not support this market, they should not buy these goods because it has a serious impact on the economy, " said National Police Spokesperson Colonel Vishnu Naidoo.

He added: "It contributes to more and more job losses because remember especially now for example the Bafana Bafana t-shirts, it is supposed to be manufactured here in South Africa, and it's suppose to create opportunities for South Africans."