In a joint operation over Gauteng conducted by the SAPS during the first week of the year, authorities seized counterfeit goods worth more than R1.2-million.

The Gauteng Counterfeit Unit and Brand Protectors led the operations throughout all provincial districts to clamp down on businesses making and distributing counterfeit goods.

On January 5, the team pounced on different shops in Vanderbijlpark, Sedibeng District, where they seized counterfeit consumables, clothing and accessories worth more than R320 000.

The team proceeded to Pretoria Central, Tshwane District, on January 6, where they raided several shops that deal in cellphone accessories. Counterfeit accessories worth about R518 000 were seized.

After receiving a tip-off about shops dealing in counterfeit goods, the team moved to Lenasia in Johannesburg on January 7 and Fochville in the West Rand on January 8.

When they searched the shops, police recovered counterfeit consumables, clothing, and accessories worth almost R399 000.

“The police in Gauteng will continue to act decisively on people who continue to manufacture, possess, and trade [in] counterfeit goods,” said provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo.

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