The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng has intensified its efforts to combat the trade in counterfeit, contraband, and illicit goods across the province. During a three-day operation conducted between September 29 and October 1, police seized more than R369,000 worth of counterfeit and illicit goods. The Gauteng Counterfeit Unit, assisted by brand protectors, confiscated 6,293 items valued at an estimated R369,310.
The operation began in the West Rand District on September 29, where police and brand protectors targeted nine shops. A total of 1,379 items worth an estimated R60,500 were seized. The seized goods included counterfeit consumables, textiles, toys and games, cellphone accessories, as well as illicit poison, honey, and pharmaceutical products. This was just the beginning of the crackdown, which would eventually lead to the seizure of thousands of products potentially destined for consumers.
On the second day of the operation, police shifted their focus to Vanderbijlpark in the Sedibeng District, visiting eight shops and confiscating 2,449 items. The goods were valued at approximately R215,100, making it the biggest haul of the three operations. The items included counterfeit consumables, toys and games, cellphone accessories, and illicit pharmaceutical products. This significant seizure highlights the scale of the illicit trade in Gauteng.
The final day of the operation saw police conduct raids in Randfontein, where 10 shops were targeted. Officers seized 2,465 items valued at about R93,710. The seized goods included counterfeit consumables, textiles, toys and games, illicit poison, honey, and pharmaceutical products. This brought the total haul for the three-day operation to 6,293 items with an estimated value of R369,310.
According to Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, the operations formed part of intensified efforts to tackle the illicit trade across the province. Nevhuhulwi stated that SAPS Gauteng continues to intensify operations aimed at combating the trade in counterfeit, contraband, and illicit goods across the province. The police remain committed to disrupting the distribution and sale of these goods, which undermine legitimate businesses and may pose health and safety risks to consumers.
The three-day operation resulted in significant seizures across the West Rand and Sedibeng districts. The police visited a total of 27 shops, confiscating thousands of products that could have potentially reached consumers. The seized goods included a range of products, from consumables and textiles to pharmaceutical products and poison. The police have urged members of the public to report the sale and distribution of counterfeit, contraband, and illicit goods at their nearest police station.
The police have reiterated their commitment to combating the illicit trade in Gauteng. SAPS Gauteng remains committed to disrupting the distribution and sale of counterfeit, contraband, and illicit goods. The public is urged to cooperate with the police in this effort by reporting any suspicious activities. The police will continue to target the distribution and sale of illegal goods to protect consumers and legitimate businesses.
Key points
- The South African Police Service seized R369,000 in counterfeit and illicit goods during a three-day operation in Gauteng.
- The operation targeted 27 shops across the West Rand and Sedibeng districts, resulting in the confiscation of 6,293 items.
- The police have urged the public to report the sale and distribution of counterfeit, contraband, and illicit goods at their nearest police station.
