In a series of operations over the past three weeks, authorities have seized counterfeit goods valued at more than R94m.
“The SAPS and its crime-fighting partners remain relentless in their efforts to disrupt and dislodge the illicit trade in counterfeit and contraband goods,” police spokesperson Lt-Col Amanda van Wyk said.
“In less than three weeks, the national counterfeit goods unit led multiple intelligence-driven takedown operations in different parts of the country, seized counterfeit goods worth more than R94m and arrested five foreigners.”
These operations involved a team of internal and external stakeholders including SAPS members from specialised units, the Hawks, the home affairs department, SA Revenue Service, traffic and metro police, brand protectors and private security companies.
On August 16 authorities uncovered counterfeit clothing and sneakers worth more than R37m at a self-storage facility in Doornfontein, Gauteng. This find marked the beginning of a series of operations aimed at curbing the counterfeit goods trade.
On August 25 another major operation took place at a shopping centre in Bellville, Western Cape. Counterfeit sneakers, clothing, watches and backpacks valued at more than R41m were seized, further demonstrating the scale of the counterfeit goods problem.
A few days later, on August 28, authorities conducted two operations in Gauteng. The first, at a self-storage facility in Mayfair, Johannesburg, resulted in the seizure of counterfeit sanitary pads, deodorants and other consumables worth more than R4.8m.
The second, on August 29, occurred at a smallholding in Bredell, Kempton Park, where counterfeit sanitary pads, hair extensions, toothbrushes and other items worth R9.3m were seized.
This operation also uncovered branded packaging, labels and machinery used for manufacturing counterfeit goods. Five Malawians were arrested for violating the Counterfeit Goods Act and the Immigration Act.
The last major operation occurred on September 2 when counterfeit shoe polish, deodorant, toothbrushes and other consumables worth more than R2m were seized from 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 who are subjected to substandard products that pose health and safety risks,” Van Wyk said.
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