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Johannesburg police have seized counterfeit goods with an estimated value of R13 million following a clampdown in the city.
Lieutenant-Colonel Amanda van Wyk said five people who are all undocumented foreigners were arrested.
“A team comprising of SAPS members from various units, officials from the South African Revenue Services (SARS), brand protectors, and security companies operationalised information and proceeded to three identified addresses in the JHB CBD.
“This operation resulted in the seizure of over 18,000 counterfeit items such as clothing apparel, shoes, bags, caps, and watches,” Van Wyk said.
She said during the operation, the SAPS team also “dismantled” a hidden manufacturing plant and storage facility where counterfeit goods were distributed to shops in and around JHB.
“At this location, police seized large quantities of counterfeit items including a computer hard drive, silk screening, and laser cutting machines,” she said.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Johannesburg Magistrates' Court soon.
#sapsHQ Today, police seized counterfeit goods to the value of R13 million and arrested five undocumented suspects during an integrated takedown operation in Johannesburg. #StopIllicitTrade NPhttps://t.co/4Zgg0ifNuB pic.twitter.com/eyHGxVlJmL
— SA Police Service ???????? (@SAPoliceService) February 7, 2024
