LIMPOPO – Police and law-enforcement agencies seized counterfeit, illicit and non-compliant goods worth an estimated R351.9 million during a five-day operation across parts of Limpopo.

The operation was conducted from Monday, August 24, to Friday, August 28, in Polokwane, Mokopane, Mookgophong and Mankweng.

63 search warrants executed

A multidisciplinary team executed 63 search-and-seizure warrants, targeting businesses and premises suspected of dealing in non-compliant or illicit goods.

Among the items seized were counterfeit cellphone accessories, branded clothing and footwear, jewellery, cosmetics, toys and other consumer products.

Authorities also confiscated illicit medicines, agricultural products, pesticides, honey and alcohol, as well as electrical, automotive and mechanical products that allegedly failed to meet compulsory specifications.

Who took part

The operation involved Saps units including the National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit, Public Order Policing, Border Policing, Tactical Response Team and Firearms, Liquor and Second-Hand Goods Control.

Other participating agencies included Sars Customs, SAHPRA, the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications, the Department of Agriculture and various provincial and municipal departments, as well as brand protection organisations.

Operation Retshepeng nets 43 arrests

A second operation, Operation Retshepeng, was conducted on Friday, August 28, in Tzaneen, Maake and Hoedspruit.

The operation resulted in the arrest of 43 suspects aged between 30 and 45 for various offences.

Among those arrested were 22 undocumented foreign nationals:

• 4 Zimbabweans
• 7 Mozambicans
• 1 Malawian
• 1 Somalian
• 9 Ethiopian nationals

Police also arrested suspects for offences including possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession and use of dagga, possession of illicit cigarettes, illegal gambling, trading without a licence, assault and contravening protection orders. One illegal shebeen was also closed.

Items seized

Authorities seized:

• 1 500 cartons of illicit cigarettes, valued at about R300 000
• A Toyota Hilux
• Dagga and liquor
• Various items including knives and tools

Three vehicles were discontinued from use, four warrants of arrest were executed, and 127 traffic summonses worth R76 000 were issued.

The arrested suspects are expected to appear before their respective magistrates’ courts.