Police Seize R90 Million Worth Of Counterfeit Goods, 37 Arrested

The South African Police Service SAPS has cracked down on counterfeit trade, seizing fake goods worth over R90 million and arresting 37 suspects in a series of operations conducted in Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal throughout January.

More than 70,000 counterfeit items, including cellphones, pharmaceuticals, cigarettes, toys, clothing, and other consumables, were confiscated during multiple raids. The operations were led by the National Counterfeit Goods Unit, with support from provincial units, the Department of Home Affairs, the South African Revenue Service SARS Customs division, and brand protection agencies.

A specialised MAJOC roving team, consisting of Tactical Response Team TRT officers, Public Order Policing POP units, and SAPS drone pilots, also participated in the crackdown as part of Operation Vala Umgodi. While primarily aimed at tackling illegal mining, these teams extended their focus to other criminal activities across the provinces.

The SAPS efforts against counterfeit trade were further recognised when the National Counterfeit Goods Unit won the Visible Policing Team of the Year award at the S APS National Excellence Awards on January 26.

Authorities have warned that the trade in counterfeit and illicit goods poses significant risks to consumers, damages legitimate businesses, and undermines the South African economy. SAPS has vowed to intensify efforts to dismantle these illegal networks and bring perpetrators to justice.