15/11/2025
Breaking News
SAPS seizes over R30 million in counterfeit and illicit goods across South Africa
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confiscated more than R30 million worth of counterfeit and illicit goods in a series of nationwide operations over the past two weeks.
The raids, conducted in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and the Western Cape, targeted shops and storage facilities suspected of distributing illegal products.
Authorities seized over 800,000 items, including counterfeit clothing, footwear, pharmaceuticals, to***co products, toys, electronic appliances, food items, a gambling machine, and cell phone accessories. Production equipment such as embroidery and silk-screen machines, packaging materials, and labels were also recovered.
During the operations, police arrested five suspects in KwaZulu-Natal. One was charged under the To***co Products Control Act, three face charges related to immigration violations, and another was apprehended for illegal possession of a gambling machine.
The Counterfeit, Contraband and Illicit Goods Units were assisted by multiple law enforcement and regulatory partners, including Public Order Policing, Border Policing, Commercial Crime detectives, K9 units, the Durban Metro Police, and the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications. Other government departments, brand protection agencies, and local police also provided support.
SAPS warned that counterfeit and illicit goods pose serious risks to consumer safety, legitimate businesses, and the economy. They emphasized that such operations are critical to safeguarding jobs, market integrity, and lawful trade.