Counterfeit Goods Worth More Than R156 Million Seized in Recent Nationwide Operations

South African Police Service (SAPS) seized counterfeit and illicit goods worth more than R156 million

By Lt Col Amanda van Wyk
SAPS Spokesperson

The South African Police Service (SAPS) seized counterfeit and illicit goods worth more than R156 million during nationwide operations in recent weeks.

The operations were led by the National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods unit, with support from Public Order Policing (POP), the South African Revenue Services (SARS) Customs and Enforcement team, counterfeit depot officials, brand protectors, and private security personnel.

In the past three weeks, the integrated team executed search-and-seizure warrants in terms of the Counterfeit Goods Act 37 of 1997 as well as the Customs and Excise Act at targeted shops in Marabastad, Mokopane, Mbombela, Bela Bela, Mookghopong, and Modimolle.

During these takedowns, the team seized more than 23 000 items imitating high-end designer brands that include clothing, shoes, bags, caps, and watches as well as counterfeit jewellery, sunglasses, perfumes, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Also amongst the seized items are sports apparel that bears the Springboks trademark and other well known brands.

These counterfeit items were seized outside Mbombela stadium and Loftus stadium respectively during recent Springbok rugby games against visiting countries.

The team also confiscated illicit cigarettes valued at over R50 000.

The Counterfeit Goods Act aims to combat the trade in counterfeit goods by protecting trademarks, copyrights, and certain mark owners from the unlawful use of their intellectual property on goods and preventing such counterfeit goods from entering the market.

SAPS remains committed to eradicate the illegal trade in counterfeit goods in an effort to protect consumers, support legitimate businesses, and ensure the integrity of South Africa’s economy.