Cape Town – In the last five months the police have seized more than R300 million worth of counterfeit goods including football jerseys, watches, shoes, and handbags.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said: “Since the establishment of the National Counterfeit Unit in November last year, the team in collaboration with its crime-fighting partners has seized counterfeit goods worth over R300 million”.
To date, the team also seized 31 vehicles that were used in the commission of the crime and arrested 23 suspects of different nationalities during several takedown operations across the country.
In addition, police also seized various manufacturing equipment such as sewing, embroidery, and silkscreening machines which were used to counterfeit unbranded items.
Lieutenant Colonel Van Wyk said on Wednesday, (13 March 2024), the police National Counterfeit Unit led yet another integrated takedown operation which resulted in the seizure of counterfeit goods worth over R80 million in Bellville, Western Cape, and arrested two Somalian suspects.
The team consisted of SA Police Service members from various specialised units, officials from the Border Management Authority, and Brand Protectors.
Nearly 100 000 counterfeit items were seized during this operation including clothing, sports apparel, shoes, bags, caps, and perfumes.
Last week, the team seized counterfeit goods worth over R9 million in the Johannesburg CBD during a similar takedown operation.
