Pretoria – The South African Police Service (SAPS) has seized counterfeit and illicit goods valued at over R156 million during a series of coordinated operations across the country over the past three weeks.
According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk, the clampdown was spearheaded by the National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods unit with support from Public Order Policing (POP), SARS Customs and Enforcement, brand protectors, counterfeit depot officials, and private security companies.
Search-and-seizure operations were carried out in several hotspots, including Marabastad, Mokopane, Mbombela, Bela Bela, Mookgophong, and Modimolle. Authorities acted under the Counterfeit Goods Act 37 of 1997 and the Customs and Excise Act, targeting shops suspected of selling fake products.
Among the items seized were over 23,000 counterfeit goods, including high-end branded clothing, shoes, bags, caps, watches, perfumes, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and jewellery. Some of the fake merchandise featured well-known logos such as those of the Springboks and other major international brands.
#sapsHQ The South African Police Service (SAPS) seized counterfeit and illicit goods worth more than R156 million during nationwide operations in recent weeks.
In the past three weeks, the integrated team executed search-and-seizure warrants at targeted shops in Marabastad,… pic.twitter.com/BGZBzXEFwN
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) July 26, 2025
“Counterfeit goods were confiscated outside Mbombela Stadium and Loftus Stadium during recent Springbok matches, where illicit traders were found selling unauthorised sports apparel bearing protected trademarks,” Van Wyk said.
The team also intercepted illicit cigarettes valued at more than R50,000.
The SAPS has reiterated its commitment to stamping out the illegal trade in counterfeit and illicit goods. “These operations aim to protect consumers, support legitimate businesses, and maintain the integrity of South Africa’s economy,” Van Wyk said.
The Counterfeit Goods Act is designed to safeguard intellectual property rights by preventing fake merchandise from entering the market and undermining legal trademark holders.
Investigations are ongoing, and further operations are expected in the coming weeks.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
