In a series of operations throughout June, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has dealt a significant blow to the counterfeit goods trade in Johannesburg's Central Business District (CBD).
According to a statement released on Saturday by the SAPS, the latest raid, conducted on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, resulted in the seizure of over 15,000 counterfeit items valued at approximately R12.8 million.
The operation, carried out at the corner of Rahima Moosa and Delvers Streets, was a joint effort involving multiple agencies. According to the SAPS statement, "The police were joined by officials from the South African Revenue Services (SARS), Gauteng Traffic, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS), Brand Protectors, Crime Prevention Wardens and private security."
The seized goods included a wide range of items, as detailed by SAPS: "The seized items included sports apparel, shoes, handbags, caps and perfumes as well as a printing machine and labels imitating well-known brands." Highlighting the sophistication of the counterfeit operation, the police noted that "Some of these items were found inside hidden compartments and drywalls."
This latest seizure is part of a larger crackdown on counterfeit goods in the area. The SAPS report reveals that "This brings the total value of counterfeit goods seized in the month of June to over 40,000 counterfeit items worth over R40 million." Previous operations in June yielded significant results:
- On June 21, over 18,000 items worth R15.5 million were seized, including manufacturing equipment.
- On June 13, more than 7,000 items valued at R6.6 million were confiscated from a shopping complex.
- On June 7, another 7,000 items worth R5.8 million were seized, leading to the arrest of four foreign nationals.
The SAPS emphasized their commitment to combating this illegal trade, stating, "The South African Police Service (SAPS) continues to disrupt and dislodge the illicit trade in counterfeit and contraband goods across the country."
In an innovative approach to dealing with seized goods, the SAPS explained, "These seized items are stored in dedicated Counterfeit Goods depots whereafter infringing trademarks are removed. The neutralised goods are then upcycled into other items such as furniture and toys; an eco-friendly initiative spearheaded by the Companies and Intellectual Properties Commission (CIPC)."
This series of successful operations demonstrates the ongoing efforts of South African law enforcement to combat the counterfeit goods trade, which not only impacts legitimate businesses but also poses potential risks to consumers.
Source: https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/selnewsdetails.php?nid=54084