Gauteng SAPS seized counterfeit and illicit goods valued at more than R66 million during a raid in Johannesburg’s central business district, last week.
Story Summary:
- A multi-agency operation led by SAPS seized counterfeit and illicit goods worth R66 million in Johannesburg CBD.
- Four Malawian nationals were arrested for violating the Immigration Act.
- Items confiscated included counterfeit clothing, pharmaceuticals, and bottles of illicit poison.
Four Malawians arrested in R66m counterfeit goods JHB CBD raid
In a statement, authorities confirmed that the operation also resulted in the arrest of four Malawian nationals for contravening the Immigration Act.
The raid, conducted on Tuesday, 26 November 2024, targeted a shopping mall and a self-storage facility located at the corner of Wemmer Jubilee and Heidelberg Roads.
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During the raid, law enforcement officials uncovered more than 190,000 counterfeit and illicit items.
These included branded clothing, footwear, belts, cosmetics, and liquor.
Additionally, counterfeit pharmaceuticals such as skin-lightening products and bottles of illicit poison were discovered.
The seized poison products were flagged by officials from the Department of Agriculture for potential links to foodborne illnesses that broke out in the province in the past couple of months.
The arrested suspects, all Malawian nationals, face charges related to immigration violations.
Police have confirmed that the confiscated goods, as well as the suspects’ alleged involvement, are part of ongoing investigations into organised crime rings operating in Johannesburg.
Brigadier Nomusa Mufamadi, who heads the Counterfeit Goods Unit, highlighted the importance of the operation, stating:
“This is a clear demonstration of our resolve to protect South Africans from harmful and illegal trade practices.”
