Police seize illicit goods worth R8 million

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Gauteng Police have seized counterfeit and illicit goods valued at approximately R8 367 200.

This happened during a series of operations conducted targeting counterfeit, contraband, and illicit goods across the province.

Gauteng police spokesperson, Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, confirmed that between 6 October and 16 October, the Gauteng counterfeit unit carried out operations.

This was in collaboration with brand protectors, the commercial crimes unit, and the Gauteng crime prevention wardens, and targets areas such as Sandton, Johannesburg Central, Vanderbijlpark, Pretoria Central, Temba, and Jeppe.

Illicit goods confiscated

“A total of 58 250 items were confiscated, including counterfeit cellphone accessories, toys, consumables, clothing and accessories and illicit pharmaceutical products,” he explained.

Cpt Sibeko said they remain committed to protecting consumers and businesses from counterfeit and illicit goods.

In other news, a Mozambique national is expected to make a second appearance in the Potchefstroom magistrate’s court on Tuesday, for a bail application.

The 24-year-old accused, initially appeared in court on Monday, 13 October, after being arrested in Potchefstroom by the Provincial Commercial Crime Investigation Unit (CCIU) members on Friday, 10 October.

Felgio Alexandra Mbanze is facing charges of fraud, forgery, uttering, theft and possession of stolen property.

According to North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh, between September and October 2025, the accused pretended to be a business representative and applied for credit worth R150 000.

Adding that the complainant became suspicious after the approval of the application, then registered a case.

“Eventually, the accused was intercepted, while leaving the store after loading items worth R62 000. The items were handed back to the lawful owner while the suspect’s Ford Ranger vehicle and a cellular phone were confiscated,” she remarked.

Meanwhile, the acting provincial police commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, issued a stern warning against fraudster and urged retailers to exercise caution ahead of the festive season.

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“As we approach this period, which is normally characterized by heightened and increased purchases in the retail and automotive sectors, it is important for businesses to be extra vigilant and careful of potential fraudsters and swindlers who are  well aware of the drive by businesses to maximize their profits.

“Fortunately, because of an alert employee, this fraudster was apprehended, thus saving the business from incurring loss of much needed revenue,” Major Gen Asaneng stated.