Police have seized 274 counterfeit items valued at R61,790 during an operation targeting five shops in Meyerton, Sedibeng District. The operation was conducted on Friday, 6 November, by members of the Gauteng Counterfeit Unit, working alongside a brand protector, as part of efforts to combat the trade in counterfeit and illicit goods.
According to SAPS Gauteng spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, the confiscated items included 160 counterfeit consumable products valued at R1,840 and 114 textile items worth R59,950. The Meyerton operation formed part of a broader provincial crackdown, which also saw police target five shops in Alberton, Ekurhuleni District, on Monday, 9 November.
During the Alberton operation, involving the Gauteng Counterfeit Unit, the Department of Agriculture and a brand protector, officers seized 3,855 items valued at R109,295.
The confiscated goods included counterfeit consumer products, phone accessories, toys, textiles, illicit honey, poison and pharmaceutical products. Across the two operations, police seized a combined 4,129 counterfeit and illicit items with an estimated value of R171,085. SAPS Gauteng said it remains committed to disrupting the distribution and sale of counterfeit and illicit products through targeted operations across the province.
Police have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report businesses suspected of trading in counterfeit or illicit goods to their nearest police station.
