Police and partner agencies seized more than 10,000 suspected counterfeit items worth over R9 million during an operation in Marabastad, Pretoria, the South African Police Service said on Sunday.
The goods included sportswear, footwear, cosmetics and cellphone accessories.
The multidisciplinary operation formed part of a national effort to disrupt the trade and distribution of counterfeit products.
Goods removed from circulation
Police did not provide a breakdown of the estimated value by product type or identify the brands whose trademarks were allegedly copied.
SAPS said counterfeit products can pose health and safety risks to consumers and cause losses to legitimate businesses and the wider economy.
The statement did not say whether any arrests were made during Sunday’s operation or whether criminal charges had been filed.
The number of seized items and estimated value were supplied by police. A court would determine whether any person charged in connection with the goods is guilty of an offence.
Counterfeit-goods operations typically bring together police, customs officials, brand-protection representatives and other enforcement partners. The precise agencies involved in the latest Marabastad operation were not listed in the initial report.
Marabastad is a busy trading district close to Pretoria’s city centre. Enforcement operations in the area have previously focused on clothing, footwear and other consumer goods sold under protected brand names.
The initial police account did not say which premises were searched or whether the operation followed warrants. It also did not state where the goods would be stored while the investigation continues.
Any seized items will form part of the authorities’ investigation into their origin and distribution. Further information is expected if suspects are charged.
