Image: Arrive Alive
The South African Police Service (SAPS) says it remains relentless in its efforts to uproot the illicit trade
in counterfeit goods, as it has a detrimental impact on the country’s economic growth. The police
services’ 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.
The team comprised of SAPS members, officials from the South African Revenue Services (SARS),
Gauteng Traffic, Brand Protectors, Crime Prevention Wardens and security companies. 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,” the SAPS said in a statement.
In addition, the team also seized over R8 million worth of counterfeit goods during a takedown
operation in Rustenburg, in the North West province last week. “This brings the total value of
counterfeit goods seized for the past four weeks to over R30 million.”
Illicit drugs
Meanwhile, in Bela-Bela, Limpopo, three male suspects aged between 38 and 43 years were arrested
for the unlawful possession and dealing of illicit drugs in the early hours of Friday.
Acting on intelligence regarding illicit drug activities in Bela-Bela, the Waterberg District Illicit Mining
The task team conducted a swift and intelligence-driven operation that resulted in the apprehension of these
suspects. During the operation, the SAPS said a 38-year-old South African male suspect was
apprehended at his residence, where the police discovered 2 900 sachets of nyaope and about six 25
litres of diesel suspected to be stolen. Meanwhile, two foreign nationals aged 43 and 34 were
intercepted in separate locations in Bela-Bela.
“They were found in possession of illicit drugs, including ninety sachets of crystal meth and nyaope.” In
Musina, the border policing team made significant arrests for Disruptive Operation Vala Umgodi
at the Beitbridge port of entry. “Five Zimbabwean nationals were apprehended and subsequently
processed for direct deportation by Immigration Officers from the Department of Home Affairs.” In a
separate operation, members of the Mopani District Illicit Mining Task Team conducted thorough
searches during Operation Vala Umgodi on the same day, leading to the seizure of multiple mining
equipment in Myakayaka village.
This equipment is believed to be linked to illegal mining activities in the Maake policing area.
Furthermore, the SAPS confiscated drugs with an estimated street value of R90 000 during an
intelligence-driven operation in Bela-Bela.
The arrested suspects were to appear before the Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 11 March
2024. “The South African Police Service is committed to combatting illegal activities and ensuring the
safety and security of our communities.” – SAnews.gov.za
