Johannesburg – The South African Police Service (SAPS) have seized counterfeit goods with a street value of R13 million in the Joburg central business district.
The swoop on Wednesday also resulted in the arrest of five undocumented suspects.
SAPS members from various units, officials from the South African Revenue Services (SARS), brand protectors, and security companies operationalised information and proceeded to three identified addresses in the CBD.
“This operation resulted in the seizure of over 18 000 counterfeit items such as clothing apparel, shoes, bags, caps, and watches,” said police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk.
“During the operation, the team also dismantled a hidden manufacturing plant and storage facility where counterfeit goods were distributed to shops in and around Johannesburg.
“At this location, police seized large quantities of counterfeit items including a computer hard drive, silk screening, and laser cutting machines.”
Lieutenant Colonel Van Wyk said law enforcers continue to make inroads by dislodging and dismantling the illicit trade in counterfeit goods, which has a detrimental impact on the economic growth of the country due to lost revenue.
She said the arrested suspects were expected to appear before the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court soon.
