R482K worth of counterfeit goods seized in Gauteng crackdown

Police in Gauteng have seized counterfeit and illicit goods valued at approximately R482,000 during a series of coordinated operations across multiple districts in April.

The Gauteng Provincial Counterfeit Unit, working alongside brand protection teams, carried out targeted inspections aimed at curbing the spread of fake and illegal products. The operations took place in Sedibeng, Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni districts between 17 and 23 April.

In one operation on Friday, 17 April, authorities inspected five shops in the Vereeniging area. The raid led to the confiscation of a range of counterfeit goods, including consumables, clothing, accessories, toys and illicit pharmaceuticals.

In a separate series of inspections conducted from 20 to 23 April, police targeted businesses in Roodepoort, as well as Nigel and Benoni. A total of 13 shops and one additional premises were searched, resulting in the seizure of counterfeit cellphone accessories, clothing, consumable goods and motor oil.

Combined, the operations yielded an estimated total of R482,360 worth of counterfeit items.

Gauteng police say the crackdown forms part of ongoing efforts to dismantle networks involved in the distribution and sale of counterfeit and contraband goods. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to working with industry stakeholders to identify offenders and ensure they are brought to justice.