Dealers in counterfeit goods dealt another blow after the SAPS retrieved counterfeit clothing and items to the value of more than R5 million

A multi-disciplinary team of law enforcement agencies led by the South African Police Service have raided a number of shops in the Johannesburg’s Central Business District and managed to retrieve counterfeit clothing and items to the value of more than R5 million.

A variety of well-known brands, including clothes, shoes and accessories were seized as the police, armed with a search warrant, gave the merchants and employees a surprise visit.

The three-hour operation consisted of various units within the SAPS such as the Provincial Task Team on Illicit Goods, Visible Policing and Public Order Police. The team was supported by Gauteng Traffic Police, Crime Prevention Wardens, South African Revenue Service Customs and Brand protectors on behalf of these well-known brands.

Dealing decisively with the purveyors of illicit goods is one of Provincial Commissioner, Elias Mawela’s priorities.

“All counterfeit goods dealers within the province should know we are coming for them and police will continue hitting them where it matters most; in their pockets,”. said Lt Gen Mawela

Today’s resounding success brings to more than R30 Million worth of the quantity of counterfeit goods to have been seized and to be destroyed.

Dealers in counterfeit goods dealt another blow after the SAPS retrieved counterfeit clothing and items to the value of more than R5 million https://t.co/iNflVRCylm#ArriveAlive #CounterfeitGoods #Enforcement @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/XNtVdkCIdR

– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) September 6, 2023