R26m of counterfeit goods seized by cops

Fake and illegal products worth more than R11 million were confiscated in an operation by the South African Police Service (Saps) this week.

Police also apprehended a band of undocumented foreign nationals during the concentrated takedown operation in Fordsburg.

The black market for counterfeit goods in SA has witnessed a surge in recent years.

With a burgeoning demand for counterfeit products, ranging from luxury items to everyday necessities, this illicit trade not only undermines the economy but also erodes consumer trust in authentic goods.

National Saps media liaison official Lieutenant-Colonel Amanda van Wyk previously said the authorities continued to make inroads by “dislodging and dismantling the illicit trade in counterfeit goods”.

The takedown this week involved 18 shops at one of Fordsburg’s shopping malls.

“This resulted in the seizure of counterfeit and illicit goods worth over R11 million and over R40 000 in abandoned cash,” she said.

“Police also arrested 37 undocumented foreign nationals.”

The police also uncovered and took possession of more than 8 000 popular brand knockoffs. Among these were cellphone chargers, cellphone covers, counterfeit labels and cellphones.

Some of the items seized were electronics which violated the Electronic Communications Act (36/2005) and the Icasa (Independent Communications Authority of SA) Amendment Act (03/2006). These included counterfeit headphones, earphones and Bluetooth speakers.

“The team that executed a search and seizure warrant comprised Saps, officials from the department of home affairs, South African Revenue Service, Icasa, Gauteng Traffic Police’s saturation unit, Brand Protection, crime prevention wardens and private security,” Van Wyk said.

This was the second takedown operation in Fordsburg this week. On Wednesday, police confiscated illegal and fake products amounting to about R15 million, she said.

One suspect was apprehended and faces charges of being in possession of as well as manufacturing and selling counterfeit goods.