Police Seize Counterfeit Goods Worth More Than R1.5m

Johannesburg: The South African Police Service (SAPS), together with other law enforcement agencies and stakeholders, has seized more than 1,700 counterfeit sports apparel and footwear items, as well as manufacturing equipment with an estimated value of more than R1.5 million. Acting on intelligence, the National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit led a multi-disciplinary takedown operation at a storage facility in the Johannesburg CBD this past week. According to South African Government News Agency, the operation involved members of the Gauteng Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit, Public Order Policing (POP), the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs Division, and brand protection representatives. The team executed several search-and-seizure warrants and uncovered a significant quantity of counterfeit goods, including sports apparel and footwear bearing protected and well-known brands, such as Springboks-branded merchandise. In addition to the coun terfeit merchandise, police seized manufacturing equipment and materials believed to have been used in the production and distribution of counterfeit goods. These include counterfeit labels and stickers, an embossing machine, and silkscreen plates. The operation forms part of ongoing nationwide efforts by SAPS and its law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks involved in the manufacture, distribution, and sale of counterfeit and illicit goods. SAPS urges members of the public to remain vigilant and to purchase sports merchandise from legitimate and authorised retailers. The public is also encouraged to report suspected counterfeit goods to the relevant authorities.