Limpopo Police Seize Counterfeit Goods Worth R5M

Three foreign nationals have been arrested, and counterfeit goods valued at over R5 million have been seized in a joint operation conducted by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other law enforcement agencies in Musina.

The operation, spearheaded by the National Counterfeit Goods Unit, included support from the SAPS Gauteng Drone Team, the Bloemfontein K9 Unit, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs, and brand protectors.

Major Counterfeit Goods Seizure in Musina CBD

Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk, confirmed that a search-and-seizure warrant was executed at a shopping mall in Musina’s central business district (CBD).

“Over 2,000 counterfeit and illicit items were confiscated, including sneakers, clothing, cell phone accessories, perfumes, and consumables,” Van Wyk said.

The arrests include two Eritrean nationals and one Bangladeshi national, all asylum seekers. The Bangladeshi national also faces a bribery charge after attempting to bribe officers at the scene to avoid arrest.

Additional Arrests and Seizures

On the same day, officers conducted vehicle searches in the area, leading to the arrest of a suspect found with a stolen vehicle.

Van Wyk added, “Dagga and drugs were seized after being abandoned in a taxi, whose driver and passengers fled on foot.”

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: 15 Naked Men Found In Sandringham As Police Bust Alleged Human Trafficking Ring

Lieutenant Colonel Van Wyk emphasised that counterfeit and illicit goods harm consumers, legitimate businesses, and the economy.

“SAPS, along with its partners, remains steadfast in its efforts to eliminate the illegal trade of counterfeit and illicit goods,” she said.

This operation follows a significant raid in Johannesburg in December, where Gauteng police seized counterfeit and illicit goods worth over R66 million. In that raid, 190,000 items, including clothing, shoes, belts, cosmetics, cigarettes, and liquor, were confiscated.

Among the goods seized in Johannesburg were bottles of “illicit poison” discovered in storage facilities alongside other consumables. Four Malawian nationals were also arrested in the operation for contravening the Immigration Act.

---

For SA Crime News Follow SurgeZirc SA on Facebook,  X and Instagram