IN CONVERSATION WITH Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk (Police spokesperson)
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The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confiscated counterfeit goods valued at more than R20 million in a major operation conducted in Bruma, east of Johannesburg.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said the high-impact raid involved multiple law enforcement and regulatory agencies, including the Hawks, Crime Intelligence, SARS Customs, Home Affairs, and private security companies.
The coordinated operation led to the arrest of 35 individuals. “One suspect was arrested for contravening the Counterfeit Goods Act, while 34 foreign nationals were detained for immigration-related violations,” said van Wyk.
Authorities seized over 24,000 counterfeit items, ranging from fake branded clothing and shoes to handbags, perfumes, jewellery, and cellphone accessories. The operation followed the execution of search and seizure warrants under the Customs and Excise Act and the Counterfeit Goods Act.
Van Wyk emphasized that SAPS remains committed to cracking down on the illegal counterfeit trade to protect consumers, safeguard legitimate businesses, and uphold economic integrity.
This latest seizure follows a nationwide crackdown last month in which SAPS confiscated counterfeit goods worth more than R50 million. That operation included a bust on illicit cigarettes valued at R4.5 million.
Van Wyk said that takedown targeted retail outlets in Pretoria Central, Centurion, and Brits in the North West province. “Over 2,000 items were seized, including high-end counterfeit clothing, accessories, and toys,” she added.
During those raids, three Bangladeshi nationals were arrested for contravening the Immigration Act
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said the high-impact raid involved multiple law enforcement and regulatory agencies, including the Hawks, Crime Intelligence, SARS Customs, Home Affairs, and private security companies.
The coordinated operation led to the arrest of 35 individuals. “One suspect was arrested for contravening the Counterfeit Goods Act, while 34 foreign nationals were detained for immigration-related violations,” said van Wyk.
Authorities seized over 24,000 counterfeit items, ranging from fake branded clothing and shoes to handbags, perfumes, jewellery, and cellphone accessories. The operation followed the execution of search and seizure warrants under the Customs and Excise Act and the Counterfeit Goods Act.
Van Wyk emphasized that SAPS remains committed to cracking down on the illegal counterfeit trade to protect consumers, safeguard legitimate businesses, and uphold economic integrity.
This latest seizure follows a nationwide crackdown last month in which SAPS confiscated counterfeit goods worth more than R50 million. That operation included a bust on illicit cigarettes valued at R4.5 million.
Van Wyk said that takedown targeted retail outlets in Pretoria Central, Centurion, and Brits in the North West province. “Over 2,000 items were seized, including high-end counterfeit clothing, accessories, and toys,” she added.
During those raids, three Bangladeshi nationals were arrested for contravening the Immigration Act
