More than 62,000 counterfeit items, including luxury clothing, cosmetics, watches and jewellery, have been seized in a major police operation in the Johannesburg CBD.
The goods, worth more than R160 million, were confiscated during a multi-disciplinary operation targeting the illegal trade in counterfeit products.
Police spokesperson Colonel Amanda van Wyk said the operation took place on Tuesday, when officers swooped on several shops inside a retail building.
The National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit led the operation, supported by the Public Order Policing Unit in Pretoria, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs Division and brand protection representatives.
Search-and-seizure warrants were executed at the identified premises, resulting in the discovery of thousands of suspected fake branded products.
The seized items included high-end clothing, footwear, cosmetics, watches, jewellery and sunglasses.
Van Wyk said the operation formed part of ongoing nationwide efforts to dismantle the illegal trade, manufacturing and distribution of counterfeit and illicit goods.
“Counterfeit goods infringe on the intellectual property rights of legitimate brand owners,” she said.
Authorities have warned that counterfeit products are not only a threat to legitimate businesses but can also put consumers at risk.
Unlike genuine products, counterfeit goods are often manufactured and distributed outside regulated systems, raising concerns about their quality and safety.
“Counterfeit and illicit goods pose serious health and safety risks to consumers,” Van Wyk said.
The illegal trade also affects legitimate manufacturers and retailers, who lose market share to traders selling fake products.
This can result in reduced production and job losses, she warned.
