SAPS Seizes Counterfeit Goods Worth Over R160 Million in Nationwide Crackdown

South African Police Service (SAPS), working with multiple law-enforcement partners, has seized counterfeit goods valued at more than R160 million during coordinated operations across several provinces this week.

The largest haul was recorded in Bellville, where a joint operation led by the National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit recovered over 130 000 fake items worth more than R117 million.

The seized goods included branded clothing, sportswear, sneakers, caps, sunglasses and watches.

In Johannesburg CBD, police shut down a counterfeit manufacturing plant operating inside a medical building. Authorities confiscated label-printing machinery and fake merchandise valued at more than R28 million.

Meanwhile, another operation in Sydenham led to the seizure of counterfeit cigarettes worth over R15 million.

The operations involved several specialised units as well as the South African Revenue Service Customs Division and other partners.

SAPS said the nationwide crackdown forms part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks involved in the illegal trade of counterfeit goods, which harms the economy, threatens consumer safety, and undermines legitimate businesses.