Counterfeit goods worth over R30 million seized

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Police have seized counterfeit goods worth over R30-million within four weeks.

According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk, the National Counterfeit unit led another integrated takedown operation in the Johannesburg CBD on Friday, which resulted in the seizure of counterfeit goods worth over R9 million.

“During the operation, the team seized over 11 000 counterfeit items such as clothing apparel, shoes, watches, handbags and sunglasses.

“This was the third takedown operation in Gauteng province in the last four weeks. 

“In addition, the team also seized over R8 million worth of counterfeit goods during a takedown operation in Rustenburg, North West province last week,” she remarked. 

van Wyk maintained that they remain relentless in their efforts to uproot the illicit trade in counterfeit goods, as it has a detrimental impact on the economic growth of the country.

She added; “This brings the total value of counterfeit goods seized for the past four weeks to over R30 million.”

Meanwhile, 45-year-old woman is expected to make a first appearance in the Welkom Magistrates’ Court on Monday on allegations of corruption.

The Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Zweli Mohobeleli said the suspect was arrested on Friday during an operation held in the area.

“In February 2024, Matjhabeng Local Municipality invited the public to apply for vacancies as trainee traffic officers.

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“A 20-year-old job seeker was ecstatic when she received a call from a woman who confirmed receipt of her application. The caller promised to appoint her on condition that she paid R10 000.

“The matter was reported to Welkom’s Serious Corruption Investigation.

“On Friday at about 08:00 when the suspect thought it was her time to collect the R10 000, she found the detectives waiting. She was immediately arrested,” he explained.

Mohobeleli stated that it has been verified that the suspect is not an employee of the municipality.