SAPS Seizes R9 Million in Counterfeit Goods During Marabastad Raid in Gauteng

• The SAPS National Illicit Goods Unit, supported by multiple agencies, raided a site in Marabastad, Gauteng, on 10 September 2026
• More than 10,000 counterfeit items, including branded footwear, sports apparel, cosmetics and cellular accessories, were impounded during the operation
• The Marabastad crackdown follows a separate raid the previous week in the Johannesburg CBD, where counterfeit Springbok merchandise was among items seized

GAUTENG — The South African Police Service executed a large-scale anti-counterfeiting operation in Marabastad on Thursday, 10 September 2026, resulting in the confiscation of fake goods valued at more than R9 million.

The operation was led by the SAPS National Illicit Goods Unit, with support from the Gauteng Illicit Goods Unit, Public Order Policing, SARS Customs Enforcement, and brand protectors. Officers impounded over 10,000 counterfeit items, including branded footwear, sports apparel, cosmetics, and cellular accessories.

Marabastad raid follows week of enforcement

The Marabastad operation was not an isolated incident. The week prior, authorities targeted a storage facility in the Johannesburg CBD, seizing illicit manufacturing equipment and counterfeit Springbok-branded merchandise with a combined value of more than R1.5 million.

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SAPS noted that illicit trade of this nature bypasses regulated commercial channels, causing significant economic damage through intellectual property infringement and undermining legitimate businesses operating within the law.

Beyond the financial impact, law enforcement raised public safety concerns linked to the confiscated products. Because counterfeit goods are produced outside prescribed quality standards, authorities warned that items such as cosmetics and accessories carry unverified health and safety risks for consumers.

South Africans react to the raid

The operation drew widespread commentary on SAPS Facebook post, with many South Africans expressing scepticism about the long-term effectiveness of such raids.

@Fiona Muthanyi Mukwevho wrote:

"Monday they will open with new stock again. Cause how many times have they raided the place, and they still continue to operate selling. Or the have to pay fines and get their stock back?"

@Musa C Lukhele echoed similar doubts, saying:

"Somehow those goods end up back with the sellers, have you ever seen them being destroyed?"

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@Phokungwane Silas questioned the legal outcomes of the operation, asking:

"How many arrested?"

Not all reactions were critical.

@Mavis Nombuyekezo expressed support, writing: "We support our police 👌👌🇿🇦🇿🇦."

@Mamokete Mtombeni took aim at broader economic policy, commenting:

"And our government will be telling us how they boost the economy."

No arrests had been publicly confirmed by SAPS at the time of publication.

More on SAPS operations and public safety

• Briefly News recently reported on Free State police arresting a rape suspect in Botshabelo, nearly five years after he allegedly attacked a woman in Bloemfontein.
• The family of missing Kempton Park runner Elizabeth Moselakgomo could not confirm whether a body found over the weekend belongs to her due to severe facial injuries.
• CoolStoryBru discussed SAPS' urgent warning about a possible serial killer in Joburg after police formed a task team to investigate four women's deaths.

Source: Briefly News