More than R20 million of fake LV goods and others seized in Joburg

The South African Police Service (Saps) in Gauteng has seized counterfeit goods worth more than R20 million during a multidisciplinary takedown operation in Bruma, east of Johannesburg.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said they had arrested 35 individuals for the goods.

One suspect was arrested for contravening the Counterfeit Goods Act while 34 foreign nationals were arrested for contravening the Immigration Act.

How many goods were seized?

She said they were able to seize more than 24 000 counterfeit items, including branded clothing, footwear, handbags, perfumes, jewellery and cellphone accessories.

“Acting on intelligence gathered, the team executed search and seizure warrants in accordance with the Customs and Excise Act and the Counterfeit Goods Act,” she said.

“The SAPS remains relentless in its efforts to dismantle the illegal trade in counterfeit and illicit goods in order to protect consumers against harmful products, support legitimate businesses and uphold the integrity of South Africa’s economy.”

How to tell real from fake goods?

Michael Zahariev from Luxity, South Africa’s pre-owned luxury reseller and authenticator said people have started to believe every single luxury brand is made in China, which is not true.

“In reality, each Birkin bag is meticulously handcrafted in France by a single artisan who undergoes years of specialised training. Hermès maintains strict control over its production processes to uphold exceptional quality standards.”

Tens of content creators previously claimed that Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Hermes, Karl Lagerfeld and others are manufactured in China and are shipped off to France and Europe to get branded, then sold to the rest of the world at a higher price.

Luxury brands document the process

Zahariev added that claims that luxury brands are primarily manufactured in China are not true, because companies such as Hermès have a well-documented commitment to local production.

“Hermès operates numerous production sites across France, where the majority of its products are crafted.

“While some components or products may be sourced or manufactured in other countries, luxury brands generally ensure that their core items, especially their iconic bags, are produced under stringent quality controls.”

This dedication to localised, high-quality production is a hallmark of luxury brands, distinguishing them from mass-market counterparts that often rely on large-scale manufacturing hubs.