Law enforcement authorities seize goods worth over R3m in Midrand shopping centre

The National Counterfeit Goods Unit led an integrated takedown operation in Midrand on May 16, resulting in the seizure of counterfeit goods worth more than R3m and the arrest of one foreign national suspect for bribery.

According to Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk, the operation also involved members of Commercial Crimes Detectives, officials from the South African Revenue Services, Brand Protectors, Crime Prevention Wardens, and private security.

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They executed a search and seizure warrant, targeting shops in a local shopping centre in Midrand.

“Over 4 000 items imitating well-known brands were seized, including sports apparel, shoes, cellphones, cellphone accessories, Bluetooth speakers, and earphones,” said Van Wyk.

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“During the operation, a Pakistani national attempted to bribe the officials and was subsequently arrested.”

Van Wyk added a week before the Midrand operation, the unit in collaboration with Brand Protectors also seized counterfeit petroleum oil worth more than R200 000 and arrested four other foreign national suspects in Monavoni, a suburb on the outskirts of Centurion.

“These recent successes follow similar takedown operations led by the National Counterfeit Goods Unit over the last six months in different parts of the country.”

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