R160m in counterfeit goods seized in Joburg CBD crackdown

The National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit has seized counterfeit goods worth more than R160 million during a multi-disciplinary operation in Johannesburg’s CBD this week, as authorities intensify efforts to clamp down on the trade in fake and illicit products.

Counterfeit goods worth more than R160 million have been seized during take down in Johannesburg CBD #MorningLive #SABCNews — SABCNews_MorningLive (@MorningLiveSABC) October 17, 2026 The team, with support from the Public Order Policing (POP) Unit in Pretoria, the South African Revenue Services (SARS) Customs Division, and brand protectors, executed search-and-seizure warrants on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, at several identified shops located in a retail building.

This resulted in the seizure of more than 62 000 counterfeit items including high-end branded clothing, footwear, cosmetics, watches, jewellery, and sunglasses. #sapsHQ [COUNTERFEIT GOODS WORTH MORE THAN R160 MILLION SEIZED DURING TAKEDOWN IN JOHANNESBURG CBD] The National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit seized counterfeit goods worth more than R160 MIL during a multi-disciplinary operation in the Johannesburg CBD this week.

The team, with support from the Public Order Policing (POP) Unit in Pretoria, the South African Revenue Services (SARS) Customs Division, and brand protectors, executed search-and-seizure warrants on Tuesday, 13/10, at several identified shops located in a retail building.

This resulted in the seizure of more than 62 000 counterfeit items including high-end branded clothing, footwear, cosmetics, watches, jewellery, and sunglasses.

The operation forms part of ongoing nationwide efforts to dismantle the illegal trade, manufacturing, and distribution of counterfeit and illicit goods in the country.

Community members are reminded: Counterfeit goods infringe on the intellectual property rights of legitimate brand owners; Counterfeit and illicit goods pose serious health and safety risks to consumers; These products are often manufactured and distributed outside regulated systems, with no regard for quality standards, safety, or lawful trade practices; and Legitimate manufacturers and retailers lose market share to illegal traders, leading to reduced production and job losses. #StopIllicitTrade #SayNOtoCounterfeitGoods #PartnershipPolicing ME https://t.co/jPSXPgB2D2 — SA Police Service (@SAPoliceService) October 17, 2026 The operation forms part of ongoing nationwide efforts to dismantle the illegal trade, manufacturing, and distribution of counterfeit and illicit goods in the country.

Meanwhile, Free State police seized counterfeit footware worth over R400 000 during safer festive season operation Shanela11 in Bloemfontein, Free State.