Online Reporter
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has seized counterfeit and illicit goods valued at more than R350 million and arrested 33 suspects during coordinated nationwide operations conducted at the height of the festive retail season.
Police say the takedown operations were carried out during December 2025 in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, led by national and provincial Counterfeit, Contraband and Illicit Goods Units working alongside multiple law enforcement partners.“During the busiest retail season of the year, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and its crime-fighting partners collectively seized counterfeit and illicit goods worth more than R350 million during nationwide takedown operations,” police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said.
Nearly 600,000 counterfeit and illicit items were confiscated, including high-end designer-branded clothing, sports apparel, footwear, jewellery, cosmetics and cellphone accessories.
Police also seized illicit pharmaceuticals valued at more than R1 million, along with illegal cigarettes, liquor and other consumable goods.
SAPS said the 33 suspects were arrested for a range of offences, including dealing in counterfeit goods, possession of drugs, and contraventions of the Medicines Control Act, Liquor Act, Second-Hand Goods Act and Immigration Act.
Police emphasised that the trade in counterfeit and illicit goods poses serious risks beyond financial losses.
“Counterfeit and illicit goods pose serious risks to consumers, legitimate businesses, and the economy of the country,” said van Wyk.
Police further warned that such products are often produced and distributed outside regulated systems. “These products are often manufactured and distributed outside regulated systems, with no regard for quality standards, safety, or lawful trade practices,” van Wyk said.
The impact on the formal economy was also highlighted, with SAPS noting that “legitimate manufacturers and retailers lose market share to illegal traders, leading to reduced production and unemployment.”
In reaffirming its commitment to dismantling criminal supply chains, SAPS said it “extends its sincere appreciation to all participating government departments, other law enforcement agencies and partners for their continued collaboration and commitment to combat the trade in counterfeit, contraband, and illicit goods.”
Police urged consumers to remain vigilant when shopping, particularly during peak retail periods, and to avoid purchasing counterfeit products that fuel organised crime and undermine lawful trade .—IOL News
