Police seize fake goods worth more than R94 million and arrest five suspects
PRETORIA – The South African Police Service and its crime fighting partners remain relentless in their efforts to disrupt and dislodge the illicit trade in fake and contraband goods. In less than three weeks, the NCGU led multiple intelligence driven takedown operations in different parts of the country and seized fake goods worth more than R94 million and arrested five foreign nationals.
The teams comprised of various internal and external stakeholders that included, among others – SAPS members from various specialised units, the HAWKS, Department of Home Affairs, SARS, Traffic, Metro Police Departments and Brand Protectors as well as force multipliers such as private security companies.
A breakdown of the successes the multi-disciplinary teams achieved is as follows:
• 16 August 2024, fake clothing and sneakers worth over R37 million were found in a self-storage facility in Doornfontein (Gauteng) and seized.
• 25 August 2024, fake goods that included sneakers, clothing, watches and backpacks worth more than R41 million were seized at a shopping centre in Bellville (Western Cape).
• 29 August 2024, fake sanitary pads, deodorants and other consumables worth over R4.8 million were seized at a self-storage facility in Mayfair, Johannesburg (Gauteng).
• 29 August 2024, fake sanitary pads, hair extensions, toothbrushes and other consumables worth over R9.3 million were seized at a small holding in Bredell, Kempton Park (Gauteng). The team also seized branded packaging, labels, machinery and other equipment used to manufacture fake goods. Five Malawian nationals were arrested.
• 02 September 2024, fake shoe polish, deodorant, toothbrushes and other consumables worth over R2 million were seized at a self-storage facility in Bonaero Park, Benoni (Gauteng).
Police will continue to combat the illicit trade in fake goods, protecting legitimate businesses and consumers who are subjected to sub standard products that pose health and safety risks.
