Gauteng police seize about R500,000 in counterfeit and illicit goods in multi-day raids

Gauteng police have confiscated counterfeit and illicit items valued at about R500,000 after coordinated operations across Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni. The seizures included counterfeit consumables, cell phone accessories, illicit honey, pesticides and illicit liquor, authorities said.

Operations across three areas over three days

Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said the operations were carried out in the Cleveland and Langlaagte areas of the Johannesburg District and in Germiston in the Ekurhuleni District between June 23 and 25, 2026.

Day-by-day confiscations

According to Nevhuhulwi, on Tuesday, June 23 a joint operation involving the Gauteng Counterfeit Unit, Brand Protectors and the Department of Agriculture in Cleveland resulted in the confiscation of counterfeit consumables and illicit pesticides worth about R8,600.

On Wednesday, June 24 in Langlaagte, the same agencies confiscated counterfeit items valued at R156,666, and illicit honey and pesticides valued at approximately R194,935.

On Thursday, June 25 in Germiston the team seized counterfeit consumables, cell phone accessories, illicit pesticides and illicit liquor with an estimated value of R162,340.

Enforcement action and public warning

Nevhuhulwi said the combined value of items seized across the operations was approximately R500,000. She added that compliance notices were issued to 14 shops and that one prohibition of sale notice was issued.

“Gauteng police urge consumers to remain vigilant and report any suspected counterfeit, contraband or illicit goods to the nearest police station, as the sale and distribution of counterfeit products may pose serious health risks to consumers.”

How the public can report suspicious goods

Nevhuhulwi said criminal activities can be reported on the Crime Stop Line at 08600 10111, or via anonymous tip-offs on MySAPSApp, which “can be downloaded on any smartphone.” She added:

“Information received will be treated with the strictest confidence.”

Photos supplied by SAPS accompanied the police statement documenting the confiscated items.