Two male suspects aged 54 and 55 were arrested by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department K9 Unit for Contravention of the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964, Contravention of the Counterfeit Goods Act 37 of 1997, and bribery in Eikenhof, south of Johannesburg.

Last Wednesday morning, while conducting crime prevention patrols, officers stopped a white Toyota Quantum panel van along Swartkoppies Road and R82 (Vereeniging Road) in Kibler Park. Upon searching the vehicle, the officers discovered clothing items (headwear) suspected to be counterfeit.

The driver was requested to produce receipts for the items in his possession but failed to do so. When questioned by the officers about how he acquired it, he led them to a plot in Eikenhof.

Upon arrival at the plot, additional suspected counterfeit goods, which included branded caps, hats, and beanies were recovered.

Three embroidery machines were also recovered on the premises.

The alleged owner of the premises was summoned, and upon arrival at the site, he alluded that he was renting the plot and overseeing the activities conducted on the premises.

SAPS, Customs from SARS, and Brand Protectors were called to verify the items and to process the scene.

The police say the alleged kingpin attempted to bribe the officers with R30 000 after being apprehended to get himself and his accomplice released.

The duo, a Chinese and Zimbabwean national with South African citizenship, were arrested and detained at Mondeor SAPS. The counterfeit goods and the embroidery machines with a combined estimated value of R3 075 000 were seized.