Police seize counterfeit goods worth nearly R2 million in Lenasia

Police have seized counterfeit goods, including toys and cellphone accessories, worth nearly R2 million at a shop in Lenasia, south of Johannesburg.

The fake goods were discovered during a joint operation on Wednesday.

Police operation

Police said the fake goods were valued at R1.8 million.

“The operation, led by the Gauteng Counterfeit Unit, National Counterfeit Unit, Border Police, SARS, and brand protectors, visited five shops and two kiosks. The seized items include counterfeit clothing items, cellphone accessories and toys.”

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has been relentless in its efforts to disrupt and dismantle the illicit trade in counterfeit and contraband goods nationwide.

ALSO READ: Police seize counterfeit goods worth millions in Limpopo

Foreign nationals arrested

In January, police arrested three foreign nationals and seized fake and illicit goods valued at over R5 million in Limpopo.

The operation was spearheaded by the National Counterfeit Goods Unit, with support from the Saps Gauteng Drone Team, the Bloemfontein K9 Unit, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs and brand protectors.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said the team executed a search-and-seizure warrant at a shopping mall in Musina’s central business district (CBD).

“During the operation, more than 2 000 counterfeit and illicit items, including sneakers, clothing, cell phone accessories, perfumes, and consumables, were confiscated.

Illicit goods

In December last year, Gauteng police seized counterfeit and illicit goods worth more than R66 million in Johannesburg.

Four Malawian nationals were also arrested for contravening the Immigration Act.

Van Wyk said more than 190 000 counterfeit and illicit items were seized, including clothing, shoes, belts, cosmetics, cigarettes and liquor.

She added that officers also confiscated bottles of “illicit poison” which were found inside the storage facilities, among other consumable items.

Police said they will continue to combat the illicit trade in counterfeit goods, “protecting legitimate businesses and consumers who are subjected to sub-standard products that pose health and safety risks.”

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