Five people were arrested and counterfeit goods worth more than $5.3 million were seized from self-storage in an intelligence driven takedown operation conducted by the National Counterfeit Goods Unit in South Africa.
In a statement on Sept. 5, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said the unit and others stakeholders will remain relentless in efforts to disrupt and dislodge illicit trade in counterfeit and contraband goods. Teams involved in the operation included:
- SAPS members from various specialized units
- Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI – “Hawks”)
- Department of Home Affairs
- South African Revenue Services (SARS)
- Traffic, Metro Police Departments, and Brand Protectors
- Force multipliers such as private security companies
Items were seized and arrests were made on the following dates:
- Aug. 16, 2024: Seizure of counterfeit clothing and sneakers worth over R37 million in a self-storage facility in Gauteng’s Doornfontein.
- Aug. 25, 2024: Seizure of counterfeit goods that included sneakers, clothing, watches, and backpacks worth more than R41 million at a shopping center in Bellville, Western Cape.
- On Aug. 29, 2024: Seizure of counterfeit sanitary pads, deodorants, and other consumables worth over R4.8 million at a self-storage facility in Mayfair, Johannesburg, plus consumables worth over R9.3 million and branded packaging, labels, machinery, and other equipment used to manufacture counterfeit goods at a small facility in Bredell, Kempton Park, Gauteng.
- On Aug. 29, 2024: Arrest of five Malawian nationals for the contravention of both the Counterfeit Goods Act and the Immigration Act.
- Sept. 2, 2024: Seizure of counterfeit shoe polish, deodorant, toothbrushes, and other consumables worth over R2 million at a self-storage facility in Bonaero Park, Benoni.
“Police will continue to combat the illicit trade in counterfeit goods, protecting legitimate businesses and consumers who are subjected to substandard products that pose health and safety risks,” the SAPS said.