Springboks Counterfeit Gear Worth R1.5m Seized in Joburg CBD Ahead of All Blacks Clash
- Police have uncovered a major haul of fake Springboks merchandise in Joburg on the day of the All Blacks clash
- The operation revealed more than 1 700 counterfeit sports items at a Joburg CBD storage facility
- SAPS also discovered equipment and materials linked to the production of fake merchandise
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The South African Police Service (SAPS) has seized counterfeit Springboks merchandise worth more than R1.5 million from a storage facility in the Joburg CBD as supporters prepare for Saturday's All Blacks clash.
Police carried out the operation during the week after acting on intelligence. In a statement published on X on 5 September 2026, SAPS said it recovered more than 1 700 counterfeit sports apparel and footwear items.
The seized goods included Springboks-branded merchandise.
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Fake merchandise production equipment found
The National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit led the operation, working with Gauteng police, Public Order Policing, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs and brand protection representatives.
According to SAPS, officers executed several search-and-seizure warrants at the facility.
They also seized counterfeit labels and stickers, an embossing machine and silkscreen plates.
SAPS said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to disrupt the manufacture, distribution and sale of counterfeit and illicit goods.
SAPS warns Springboks fans
The police service said the timing of the seizure was significant because demand for team merchandise was expected to increase around Saturday’s Springboks-All Blacks clash.
“Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and to purchase sports merchandise from legitimate and authorised retailers,” SAPS said.
Supporters were also encouraged to report suspected counterfeit goods to the relevant authorities.
Springbok jersey row adds context to counterfeit merchandise bust
Briefly News previously reported that a separate dispute had emerged over the supply of Springbok supporter jerseys ahead of the 2026 Springboks-All Blacks tour.
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) proposed protected-event status for the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry 2026 Tour, with the South African Rugby Union (SARU) required to consider Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) when selecting suppliers.
South African trade union Solidarity questioned how the proposed requirements could affect businesses that had already secured merchandise-related contracts.
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Source: Briefly News
