Police have seized counterfeit goods worth more than R160 million in a series of coordinated operations across the country, targeting criminal networks involved in the illegal trade. The South African Police Service said the raids were carried out during the past week by its National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit, working with crime intelligence, SARS customs officials, and other specialised units.
The largest seizure was made in Bellville in the Western Cape, where a multidisciplinary team confiscated counterfeit goods worth more than R117 million. More than 130,000 fake items were recovered, including branded clothing, sportswear, sneakers, caps, sunglasses and watches.
In Gauteng, police conducted multiple operations in Johannesburg, Tshwane, Meyerton, Vanderbijlpark and Vereeniging. During one of the raids, officers uncovered a counterfeit manufacturing plant operating inside a medical building in the Johannesburg CBD.
Police seized goods and label-printing machines valued at more than R28 million and shut down the operation.
In KwaZulu-Natal, officers intercepted a large consignment of counterfeit cigarettes worth over R15 million in Sydenham.
“These operations form part of ongoing national efforts to address the illegal trade in counterfeit and illicit goods in the country,” said police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk.
She added that the illegal trade in counterfeit goods “not only undermines the economy of South Africa, but also threatens consumer health and safety, infringes on intellectual property rights, and erodes legitimate businesses.”
