Police seize over R160 million worth of counterfeit goods

Police said major progress is being made on tackling the illegal trade in counterfeit goods after a seizure of more than R160 million worth of fake items this week.

A joint operation in Bellville in the Western Cape led to the confiscation of goods worth over R117 million, including clothing, sneakers and accessories.

Meanwhile, in Gauteng, authorities shut down a counterfeit manufacturing plant in Johannesburg, seizing tools and fake products valued at more than R28 million.

In KwaZulu-Natal, counterfeit cigarettes worth more than R15 million were also retrieved.

Police Spokesperson Amanda van Wyk said that the operations were a success thanks to the coordinated strengths of multidisciplinary teams.

“The multidisciplinary team also comprised members from the Western Cape Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit, Crime Intelligence, the National Intervention Unit, Public Order Policing, officials from the South African Revenue Service Customs Division, and brand protectors. The team seized over 130,000 counterfeit items, including branded clothing, sports apparel, sneakers, caps, sunglasses, and watches.”