| 2024/09/05 |
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Media Statement PRETORIA – The South African Police Service (SAPS) and its crime fighting partners remain relentless in their efforts to disrupt and dislodge the illicit trade in counterfeit and contraband goods. In less than three weeks, the National Counterfeit Goods Unit led multiple intelligence driven takedown operations in different parts of the country and seized counterfeit 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 Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI – “Hawks”), Department of Home Affairs, South African Revenue Services (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, counterfeit clothing and sneakers worth over R37 million were found in a self-storage facility in Doornfontein (Gauteng) and seized; ▶️ 25 August 2024, counterfeit 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, counterfeit 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, counterfeit 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 counterfeit goods. Five Malawian nationals were also arrested for the contravention of both the Counterfeit Goods Act and the Immigration Act; ▶️ 02 September 2024, counterfeit 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 counterfeit goods, protecting legitimate businesses and consumers who are subjected to sub standard products that pose health and safety risks. Ends
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