In a major week-long operation, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has seized counterfeit, illicit, and contraband goods with an estimated street value of R43 million. The operations were conducted across the Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni Districts from November 22 to 28, 2025.
The extensive crackdown involved a multi-disciplinary team of stakeholders. SAPS collaborated with the National Counterfeit Unit, the Gauteng Counterfeit Unit, Public Order Police (POPS), Brand Protectors, and several national regulatory bodies. These included the National Regulatory Council for specifications (NRCS), the National Consumer Commission (NCC), the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), and the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA). Private security firms also provided support.
Officers targeted multiple shops and storage facilities in the areas of Johannesburg Central, Benoni, and Langlaagte. The operation led to the seizure of over 100,000 individual items. The confiscated goods included a wide range of products such as clothing, shoes, embroidery machines, and branded labels.
In addition to the goods, three individuals were arrested on charges of being illegal immigrants.
Specific items seized by the NRCS and SAHPRA for non-compliance included pine gels, disinfectants, toilet papers, scales, cameras, Christmas lights, mini fans, lamp holders, humidifiers, electronic clocks, and a quantity of non-compliant power tools.
SAPS stated that this successful operation underscores its ongoing commitment to safeguarding consumers and legitimate businesses from the detrimental effects of counterfeit and illicit trade. The seizure disrupts a significant supply chain of illegal goods in the Gauteng region.