Five suspects arrested after the discovery of counterfeit goods and machinery

GAUTENG – An intelligence driven operation was conducted at a plot in Bredell, Kempton Park on Thursday, 29 August 2024 where a multi-disciplinary team confiscated counterfeit goods and machinery to an estimated value of R2.5 million.

The Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation in Johannesburg received information which was operationalised and with the assistance of SAPS National Counterfeit, Border Police (ORTIA), and brand holders pounced on a plot in Kempton Park which was used as a warehouse that manufactures various counterfeit goods including, sanitary pads, Hamburg tea, Gold Star instant yeast as well as synthetic hair were discovered and seized.

Further investigations led officers to a shop in Boksburg where (5) suspects between the ages of (20) and (30) were arrested while delivering the counterfeit goods at various shops around the area. The five suspects are expected to make their first appearance at the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Monday, 02 September 2024 for the contravention of section 2 of the Counterfeit Goods Act 37 of 1997. Investigations are continuing.