R95M in Counterfeit Goods Seized in Under 3 Weeks by SAPS and Hawks

• The South African Police Service (SAPS) and its crime-fighting partner managed to intercept fake and contraband goods
• The team was comprised of various internal and external stakeholders, including the SAPS and the Hawks
• Five illegal foreign nationals were also caught in the takedown operations and handed over to the Department of Home Affairs

PRETORIA - In under three weeks, the National Counterfeit Goods Unit spearheaded several intelligence-driven operations across various regions, seizing counterfeit items valued at over R94 million and arresting five illegal residents.

The police remain committed to cracking down on the illicit imitation trade, protecting legitimate businesses and consumers exposed to substandard products that threaten health and safety.

A list of successful counterfeit goods raids

The multi-disciplinary team embarked on several different raids in the three weeks leading up to 6 September 2024.

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• On 16 August, bogus clothing and sneakers valued at over R37 million were discovered and confiscated at a self-storage facility in Doornfontein, Gauteng.
• On 25 August, fake sneakers, clothing, watches, and backpacks worth more than R41 million in illegal goods were seized in Cape Town.
• On 29 August, replica sanitary pads, deodorants, and other consumables totalling over R4.8 million were confiscated at a self-storage unit in Mayfair, Johannesburg.
• On the same day, imitation sanitary pads, hair extensions, toothbrushes and other consumables valued at more than R9.3 million were seized from a smallholding in Bredell, Kempton Park, Gauteng. The raid also uncovered branded packaging, labels, machinery and equipment used for counterfeit production. Five Malawian nationals were arrested for violating the Counterfeit Goods and Immigration Act.
• On 2 September 2024, phoney shoe polish, deodorant, toothbrushes and other consumables worth over R2 million were seized from a self-storage facility in Bonaero Park, Benoni, Gauteng.

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72 arrested in cross-border crime crackdown on SA-Lesotho border

The South African Police Service (SAPS) and its crime-fighting partners continue to work to disrupt and dismantle the illegal trade in counterfeit and contraband goods.

SA laughs as police seize fake presidential shirts

Briefly News reported in a related article that authorities confiscated 184 counterfeit presidential shirts valued at R569,000, sparking online mockery of politicians who wear them. The suspect is expected to appear in court soon.

Many netizens speculated about a political connection, with several humorously referencing Premier Panyaza Lesufi.

Source: Briefly News