Police Seize Illegally Imported iPhones And Samsung Devices Worth Over R17 Million In Fordsburg

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confiscated illegally imported Apple iPhones, Samsung gadgets, and accessories valued at more than R17 million during a high-impact takedown operation in Fordsburg, Johannesburg.

Intelligence-Led Operation Targets Illicit Electronics Trade

According to SAPS, the bust followed an intelligence-driven operation targeting a Fordsburg mall believed to be a hub for the storage and sale of smuggled electronic devices.

The multidisciplinary team included members from the Commercial Crime Investigation Unit, Border Policing, the Johannesburg Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), and private security officers.

During the raid, officers recovered more than a thousand non-type-approved devices, including cellphones, two-way radios, and accessories.

Police Seized Goods Violate Customs and Electronic Communications Laws

Authorities confirmed that the seized items contravened both the Customs and Excise Act and the Electronic Communications Act.

A non-type-approved device refers to any electronic product that has not been certified by ICASA for use or sale in South Africa.

Among the confiscated goods were Apple iPhones, Samsung Galaxy smartphones, IMEI and ICASA labels, and two-way radios.

Section 35 of the Electronic Communications Act stipulates that: “No person may use, supply, sell, offer for sale, lease, or hire any type of electronic communications equipment or facility, including radio apparatus, unless such equipment has been approved by the Authority.”

Items Sent for Safekeeping and Further Analysis

All seized goods have been transported to ICASA’s secured storage facility for safekeeping and technical evaluation.

SAPS confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and further arrests may follow as authorities trace the origin of the smuggled electronics and identify those responsible for their importation.

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