More than 6,000 suspected counterfeit and illicit items have been removed from shops across Gauteng following a three-day police operation targeting the illegal trade in the West Rand and Sedibeng. The operations, conducted from 29 September to 1 October, saw members of the Gauteng Counterfeit Unit work alongside brand protectors to inspect businesses and seize goods valued at an estimated R369,310.
In the West Rand District, police visited nine shops on Tuesday, 29 September, seizing 1,379 items worth approximately R60,500. The goods included counterfeit consumables, textiles, toys and games, cellphone accessories, as well as illicit poison, honey and pharmaceutical products. The following day, police turned their attention to Vanderbijlpark in the Sedibeng District, where eight shops were inspected. A total of 2,449 items, estimated to be worth R215,100, were seized.
The crackdown continued on Thursday, 1 October, in Randfontein, where 10 shops were visited. Police seized another 2,465 items valued at approximately R93,710. Across the three operations, SAPS reported a combined 6,293 items seized.
Police said the operations form part of ongoing efforts to disrupt the distribution and sale of counterfeit, contraband and illicit goods, which can affect legitimate businesses and potentially expose consumers to health and safety risks.
Members of the public who come across the sale or distribution of suspected counterfeit or illicit goods are encouraged to report the activity to their nearest police station or contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
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