Police Seize R43 Million In Counterfeit Goods

The National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods team seized counterfeit goods worth more than R7 million in Gauteng following a community tip-off this week.

South African Police Service spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said the operation had targeted shops in Pretoria Central and Centurion on Wednesday.

More than 2 000 items were seized, including high-end counterfeit clothing, shoes, handbags, caps, watches, sunglasses and belts, as well as toys, Van Wyk said.

Last month, the team, with support from various internal and external stakeholders, seized counterfeit goods worth more than R43m across different parts of the country.

Saps, together with its crime-fighting partners, remains committed to dismantling the illegal trade in counterfeit goods to protect consumers, legitimate businesses, and the economy of this country, she said.