The police, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), Gauteng traffic police, border police and other authorities took part in the operation on Thursday. Items targeted included shoes, jeans, takkies, watches, belts and handbags.
"This was cut short as a group of over 1,000 people gathered in Jeppe Street and attacked law enforcement officers," said Sun.
"As the joint operation was about to begin, a mob from the multi-storey buildings where the illicit and counterfeit goods are known to be stored and sold got wind and began to gather to interfere with the operation. The situation quickly escalated when about 1,000 people gathered to attack the police with stones and bricks."
One Gauteng traffic police officer was injured.
Sun said the authorities were shocked by the "unruly group of traders and occupiers" who think "they can run amok in the city and there will be no consequences for lawlessness".