The Competition Commission is conducting a search and seizure operation at the premises of four furniture removal companies on suspicion of price fixing, market allocation and collusive tendering.
The search is being carried out simultaneously at five locations around Gauteng and the Western Cape.
The companies are J.H. Retief Transport CC, Cape Express (Pty) Ltd, Patrick Removal (Pty) Ltd and Sifikile Transport CC. This follows a complaint initiated by the Commission on 03 November 2010.
These companies provide furniture removal services to a wide range of customers; however, the alleged conduct seems to be rife in tenders issued by the government and the private sector.
In terms of section 48 of the Competition Act, the Commission is authorised to enter and search premises and seize documents which have a bearing on an investigation. Section 46(2) (b) of the Act authorises a judge or magistrate to issue the Commission with a warrant allowing members of its staff and accompanying police officers to enter and search such premises.
The search is being carried out simultaneously at five locations around Gauteng and the Western Cape.
The companies are J.H. Retief Transport CC, Cape Express (Pty) Ltd, Patrick Removal (Pty) Ltd and Sifikile Transport CC. This follows a complaint initiated by the Commission on 03 November 2010.
These companies provide furniture removal services to a wide range of customers; however, the alleged conduct seems to be rife in tenders issued by the government and the private sector.
In terms of section 48 of the Competition Act, the Commission is authorised to enter and search premises and seize documents which have a bearing on an investigation. Section 46(2) (b) of the Act authorises a judge or magistrate to issue the Commission with a warrant allowing members of its staff and accompanying police officers to enter and search such premises.
