Police seize over R30 million worth of fake goods

The South African Police Service (SAPS) says it remains relentless in its efforts to uproot the illicit trade in counterfeit goods, as it has a detrimental impact on the economic growth of the country.

The police services’ National Counterfeit Unit led another integrated takedown operation in the Johannesburg CBD on Friday, which resulted in the seizure of counterfeit goods worth over R9 million.

The team comprised of SAPS members, officials from the South African Revenue Services (SARS), Gauteng Traffic, Brand Protectors, Crime Prevention Wardens and security companies.

During the operation, the team seized over 11 000 counterfeit items such as clothing apparel, shoes, watches, handbags and sunglasses. 

“This was the third takedown operation in Gauteng province in the last four weeks,” the SAPS said in a statement. 

In addition, the team also seized over R8 million worth of counterfeit goods during a takedown operation in Rustenburg, in the North West province last week.

“This brings the total value of counterfeit goods seized for the past four weeks to over R30 million.”

Illicit drugs

Meanwhile, in Bela-Bela, Limpopo, three male suspects aged between 38 and 43 years were  arrested for the unlawful possession and dealing in illicit drugs in the early hours of Friday.

Acting on intelligence regarding illicit drug activities in Bela-Bela, the Waterberg District Illicit Mining Task Team conducted a swift and intelligence-driven operation resulting in the apprehension of these suspects.

During the operation, the SAPS said a 38-year-old South African male suspect was apprehended at his residence, where the police discovered 2 900 sachets of nyaope and about six 25 litres of diesel suspected to be stolen.

Meanwhile, two foreign nationals aged 43 and 34 years were intercepted in separate locations in Bela-Bela.

“They were found in possession of illicit drugs, including ninety sachets of crystal meth and nyaope.”

In Musina, the border policing team made significant arrests as part of Disruptive Operation Vala Umgodi at the Beitbridge port of entry. 

“Five Zimbabwean nationals were apprehended and subsequently processed for direct deportation by Immigration Officers from the Department of Home Affairs.” 

In a separate operation, members of the Mopani District Illicit Mining Task Team conducted thorough searches during Operation Vala Umgodi on the same day, leading to the seizure of multiple mining equipment in Myakayaka village. 

This equipment are believed to be linked to illegal mining activities in the Maake policing area. 

Furthermore, the SAPS confiscated drugs with an estimated street value of R90 000 during an intelligence-driven operation in Bela-Bela.

The arrested  suspects are to appear before the Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 11 March 2024. 

“The South African Police Service is committed to combatting illegal activities and ensuring the safety and security of our communities.” – SAnews.gov.za