Counterfeit goods worth nearly R300,000 seized in Gauteng raids

Counterfeit clothing, accessories and consumable products worth almost R300,000 have been seized during coordinated law enforcement operations in Gauteng as police intensify efforts to disrupt the illicit trade that continues to affect legitimate businesses and consumers.

Drawing on details released in a South African Police Service (SAPS) media statement, the multi-agency operations targeted businesses in the Sedibeng and Ekurhuleni districts, where officers inspected dozens of shops and confiscated a range of suspected counterfeit and contraband items.

The latest operations form part of ongoing efforts to curb those supply chains across the province.

Two districts targeted

The first operation took place on Wednesday, 1 July, when a joint task team visited 15 shops in De Deur and Evaton in the Sedibeng District.

During the inspections, officers confiscated counterfeit clothing, fashion accessories and various consumable products believed to have been sold illegally.

A day later, on Thursday, 2 July, another operation focused on Brakpan in the Ekurhuleni District, where officials inspected eight shops. Police again seized counterfeit accessories along with suspected fake consumable goods.

Across both operations, the estimated value of the confiscated stock amounts to R296,181.

Police said the operations were carried out by the Gauteng Provincial Counterfeit Unit in collaboration with brand protection experts as part of a broader strategy to disrupt the distribution and sale of counterfeit, contraband and illicit goods.

The unit indicated that it will continue working alongside industry stakeholders to identify those involved in the manufacture, distribution and sale of counterfeit products.

Authorities added that ongoing enforcement efforts are aimed at ensuring those responsible are identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com

Source: SAPS