Pretoria – Police on Thursday revealed that they had seized counterfeit goods worth more than R94 million and arrested five foreign nationals in operations across the country.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said together with its crime-fighting partners remain relentless in their efforts to disrupt and dislodge the illicit trade in counterfeit and contraband goods.
“In less than three weeks, the National Counterfeit Goods Unit led multiple intelligence-driven takedown operations in different parts of the country and seized counterfeit goods worth more than R94 million and arrested five foreign nationals,” SAPS said in a statement.
The teams of law enforcers were comprised of various SAPS units and external stakeholders including the Department of Home Affairs, and the South African Revenue Services.
Metro Police Departments, Brand Protectors, and private security companies also participated in the operations to tackle the proliferation of fake goods.
SAPS said the successes include:
- 16 August 2024, counterfeit clothing and sneakers worth over R37 million were found in a self-storage facility in Doornfontein (Gauteng) and seized;
- 25 August 2024, counterfeit goods that included sneakers, clothing, watches, and backpacks worth more than R41 million were seized at a shopping centre in Bellville (Western Cape);
- 29 August 2024, counterfeit sanitary pads, deodorants, and other consumables worth over R4.8 million were seized at a self-storage facility in Mayfair, Johannesburg (Gauteng);
- 29 August 2024, counterfeit sanitary pads, hair extensions, toothbrushes and other consumables worth over R9.3 million were seized at a small holding in Bredell, Kempton Park (Gauteng).
The law enforcers also seized branded packaging, labels, machinery, and other equipment used to manufacture counterfeit goods.
“Five Malawian nationals were also arrested for the contravention of both the Counterfeit Goods Act and the Immigration Act,” said the statement attributed to Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk.
SAPS said that on 2 September 2024, counterfeit shoe polish, deodorant, toothbrushes, and other consumables worth over R2 million were seized at a self-storage facility in Bonaero Park, Benoni (Gauteng).
“Police will continue to combat the illicit trade in counterfeit goods, protecting legitimate businesses and consumers subjected to substandard products that pose health and safety risks,” the statement said.
