Tshwane mayor leads crackdown on R3m illicit goods in Pretoria West
A wholesale store was shut down after multi-agency inspectors uncovered counterfeit meat, electronics, and food products.
Tshwane Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya has warned that fraudulent products pose severe health risks to residents after a multi-agency drive seized nearly R3m in illicit goods in Pretoria West.
The operation includes the Tshwane Metro Police Department, the South African Police Service, the Border Management Authority, the Department of Agriculture, and Gauteng Consumer Affairs.
Tshwane Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya said residents have been paying for fraudulent products for too long, while some businesses refuse to comply with municipal by-laws.
Intergovernmental team targets fake products
Moya highlighted the importance of intergovernmental collaboration in strengthening enforcement.
“What is different is that, for us to enhance the strength of our by-law enforcement abilities, we need to have partnerships,” Moya said. “We have done by-law enforcement with different departments and entities, but what is special today is that we finally have the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS), which is an entity of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC).”
She added that counterfeit products undermine economic growth, harm local residents, and pose environmental risks.
“We do not know where these products come from or how they are made, but somehow our people must consume them,” she said. “Today we are focusing on illicit foods; there are supermarkets here in Pretoria West that we will be visiting. We are here in Pretoria West, tomorrow Sunnyside, and the following day we will be in Marabastad.”
Crackdown expands to Sunnyside and Marabastad
Law enforcement partners seized dozens of items at a large wholesale and retail store in Pretoria West during the sweep.
According to Moya, many items were counterfeit and failed to meet South African product specifications and standards.
The establishment was shut down after officials found it failed to comply with municipal business trading regulations.
Moya expressed frustration over repeat offenders who ignore local laws, noting that business owners often return to illegal practices after raids and product destruction.
Multiple enforcement teams from the DTIC, NRCS, and the City of Tshwane checked water bills, electricity connections, trading licences, and health compliance to ensure full enforcement while non-compliant shops remain closed.
Moya urged residents to support the crackdown, warning that despite bargain prices, counterfeit goods carry severe health and safety risks.
Confiscated items included fake plastic bags, lightbulbs, counterfeit electronics stored in an unapproved building, hair care products, naphthalene balls, and meat.
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