Counterfeit Crisis: Gauteng Police Launch Coordinated Strikes Against Knockoffs

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Targeting the selling of illegal and counterfeit goods, the Counterfeit Unit of the South African Police Service (SAPS) has carried out raids in Protea, Garsfontein, and Vereeniging.

Police in Protea confiscated 1101 counterfeit socks and consumables on Monday, worth R85 965.00.

While in Garsfontein, Tshwane, they confiscated 569 fake cellphone accessories on Tuesday, valued at R489 450.00.

#sapsGP [COUNTERFEIT GOODS RAIDS] The #SAPS Counterfeit Unit conducted ops in Protea, Garsfontein, and Vereeniging, targeting the sale of counterfeit and illicit goods.

– On Monday, 02/02, in Protea, Johannesburg, police seized 1101 counterfeit consumables and socks, valued at… pic.twitter.com/keR7ayjJm2

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) February 5, 2026

Police Smash Counterfeit Operations

During a combined operation on Thursday, in Vereeniging, 3400 items worth R2,200,000.00 were confiscated, including clothing, caps, T-shirts, and watches.

Local police stations, SARS Customs, the Gauteng Counterfeit Unit, the National Counterfeit Unit, the Provincial Counterfeit Unit, and the Commercial Crime Unit were also involved in the operations.

In the meantime, food safety and compliance enforcement was stepped up by police in the Fezile Dabe District.

SAPS carried out a high-impact foodborne compliance operation in Parys and Tumahole on Wednesday, respectively, in coordination with the Department of Home Affairs, Environmental Health, Ngwathe Local Municipality, and the local CPF.

The operation’s main goals were to protect vulnerable groups, enforce peace and order, and ensure strict obedience to tobacco control, immigration, and food safety standards.

Additionally, it aimed to encourage a compliance-orientated attitude among district company owners. Multidisciplinary teams inspected a number of food businesses and tuck shops during the operation.

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In order to protect the public’s health, expired food items were located and taken off the shelves. After illegal cigarettes were confiscated and foreign persons’ documentation was confirmed, those found to be in violation of immigration regulations were arrested and deported.

In order to promote legal company operations, owners and staff received education on food safety standards and tobacco control laws, while noncompliant companies received warnings and fines.