By Zuko Komisa

- SAPS and multidisciplinary partners seized over R9 million in counterfeit goods during a raid in Marabastad, Gauteng.
- Law enforcement recovered more than 10 000 illicit items, following a separate R1.5 million seizure in Johannesburg the previous week.
- Police warned that the unregulated counterfeit trade damages legitimate businesses and poses serious health and safety risks to consumers.
The South African Police Service (SAPS), alongside multidisciplinary law enforcement partners, seized counterfeit goods exceeding R9 million during an operation in Marabastad, Gauteng.
The raid forms part of ongoing national initiatives aimed at dismantling the illegal trade, manufacture, and distribution of illicit merchandise. Operating teams targeted multiple locations based on intelligence reports.
“The team seized more than 10 000 counterfeit items, including branded sports apparel, footwear, cosmetics and cellular accessories,” police confirmed. This follows a similar raid in the Johannesburg CBD last week, which recovered fake goods and manufacturing equipment valued at over R1.5 million.
Authorities warned that the underground counterfeit sector undermines legitimate brand ownership and introduces significant health and safety hazards to consumers due to a lack of quality control.
“Operating outside regulated systems and without adherence to prescribed quality standards, the counterfeit goods industry has a detrimental impact on legitimate businesses and contributes to economic losses.”
SAPS concluded by praising participating agencies, the South African Revenue Service, and brand protectors for their continued collaboration in combating illicit market activities.
READ NEXT: