Middelburg raids net R1.5m in counterfeit and illicit goods, police warn traders

Two-day operation targets illicit trade

The searches were conducted on Tuesday and Wednesday by members of the SAPS Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit, with support from Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) and the Department of Agriculture. Several premises were searched during the operation in Middelburg.

What police seized

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said the operation resulted in the seizure of 1,687 items. The confiscated goods included:

• cockroach-killing powder bait
• cockroach glue traps
• mosquito repellent
• cockroach gel syringes
• cigarettes
• ORS Olive Oil creams
• Olive Oil Glossing Hair Polisher
• Hamburg tea

Investigations and enforcement

Masondo said a case of selling counterfeit goods is being investigated. He added that non-compliance notices were issued by the Environmental Health Practitioners and the Department of Agriculture, and that further action is anticipated.

“The sale of counterfeit and illicit goods, especially consumable and chemical products, poses a serious health risk to our communities and undermines legitimate businesses.”

Modise commended the Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit and partner departments for the seizure and said operations targeting illicit trade and non-compliance would continue across the province. She urged business owners to comply with the law and called on communities to report those selling fake and unsafe products.

How the public can report offences

People can report the sale of counterfeit and illicit goods to their nearest police station, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or through the MySAPS app, which can be downloaded on smartphones.