Police seize over R400 million worth of counterfeit goods in Joburg CBD

JOHANNESBURG - Police have seized over R400 million worth of counterfeit goods in the Johannesburg CBD.

The South African Police Service (SAPS)’s National Counterfeit Goods Unit led an operation on Friday to clamp down on illicit activity in the economic hub.

The operation saw the arrest of four people, including two Chinese nationals, for being in possession of counterfeit goods worth R5.8 million, and two Ethiopian nationals for the contravention of the Immigration Act.

Police spokesperson, Amanda van Wyk, said that nearly 7,000 counterfeit items imitating well-known brands were seized.

"[These] included sports apparel, clothing, shoes, perfumes, sunglasses, watches, and bags. The team comprised SAPS members from various specialised units, officials from the South African Revenue Services, Gauteng Traffic's Saturation Unit, Brand Protectors, Crime Prevention Wardens, and private security."