In a major crackdown on counterfeit trade, the South African Police Service (SAPS) seized over R19 million worth of fake goods and arrested six foreign nationals during a two-day operation in Bloemfontein’s CBD this week.
Led by the National Counterfeit Goods Unit, with support from various law enforcement agencies, the raid focused on shops selling fake luxury-brand items. More than 13,000 counterfeit productsβincluding clothing, shoes, and accessoriesβwere confiscated.
The arrested suspects face charges under the Immigration Act, with one individual also charged for resisting arrest.
SAPS reiterated its commitment to dismantling the illegal counterfeit trade, citing its harmful impact on consumers, legitimate businesses, and the broader economy.