Police seize over R30 million worth of counterfeit goods within four weeks

The South African Police Service (SAPS) remains relentless in its efforts to uproot the illicit trade in counterfeit goods, as it has a detrimental impact on the economic growth of the country.

On Friday, 08 March 2024 the SAPS’ National Counterfeit unit led another integrated takedown operation in the Johannesburg CBD which resulted in the seizure of counterfeit goods worth over R9 million.

The team comprised of SAPS members, officials from the South African Revenue Services (SARS), Gauteng Traffic, Brand Protectors, Crime Prevention Wardens and security companies.

During the operation, the team seized over 11 000 counterfeit items such as clothing apparel, shoes, watches, handbags and sunglasses. This was the third takedown operation in Gauteng province in the last four weeks.

In addition, the team also seized over R8 million worth of counterfeit goods during a takedown operation in Rustenburg, North West province last week.

This brings the total value of counterfeit goods seized for the past four weeks to over R30 million.