7,000 Counterfeit goods seized in manufacturing plant worth R6.6 million

JOHANNESBURG – The National Counterfeit Goods unit led another integrated takedown operation in Rahima Moosa Street, Johannesburg CBD on Thursday, 13 June 2024 in a concerted effort to disrupt and dislodge the illicit trade in counterfeit goods.

The operation resulted in the seizure of over 7000 counterfeit items with an estimated value of R6.6 million. These items imitating well-known brands included shoes, clothing, handbags, caps, perfumes, cosmetics and backpacks.

Police also seized sewing machines, an overlocker, embossing machine, a hot press and a large quantity of labels of well-known brands. This is the biggest counterfeit manufacturing plant bust in the past year.

The team comprised of members of SAPS, officials from the South African Revenue Services (SARS), Gauteng Traffic, Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS), Brand Protectors, Crime Prevention Wardens and private security.

In less than a week a ago, the team seized counterfeit goods with an estimated value of R5.8 million during a similar takedown operation; also within the Johannesburg CBD.