The South African Police Service (SAPS), in collaboration with multiple law enforcement agencies, seized over 1,700 counterfeit sports apparel and footwear items during a raid on a storage facility in the Johannesburg CBD. The seized goods, which include Springboks-branded merchandise, have an estimated value exceeding R1.5 million.
The multi-disciplinary operation was led by the National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit and involved the Gauteng Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit, Public Order Policing, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, and the South African Revenue Service Customs Division.
In addition to the counterfeit merchandise, authorities confiscated manufacturing equipment used for production and distribution, such as an embossing machine, silkscreen plates, and counterfeit labels and stickers. SAPS stated the operation is part of ongoing nationwide efforts to dismantle criminal networks involved in the illicit goods trade.
Entities
Johannesburg · South African Police Service · South African Revenue Service · Springboks