Police seize counterfeit goods worth over R160 million in Johannesburg CBD raid

Police have seized counterfeit goods valued at more than R160 million following a major operation targeting shops in Johannesburg’s central business district (CBD).

The operation, conducted on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, resulted in the confiscation of more than 62,000 items, including high-end branded clothing, footwear, cosmetics, watches, jewellery and sunglasses.

According to South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk, officers executed search-and-seizure warrants at several identified shops inside a retail building.

The operation was led by the National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit, supported by the Public Order Policing (POP) Unit in Pretoria, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs Division and representatives responsible for protecting brands against counterfeiting.

Among the items confiscated were products bearing the names of international luxury brands, including Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Dior, as well as watches and football jerseys.

Van Wyk said the operation formed part of ongoing nationwide efforts to dismantle networks involved in the illegal manufacturing, distribution and sale of counterfeit goods.

The police have also raised concerns about the potential dangers these products pose to consumers, particularly when they are manufactured without complying with established safety and quality standards.

“Counterfeit and illicit goods pose serious health and safety risks to consumers,” Van Wyk said.

She explained that counterfeit products are frequently manufactured and distributed outside regulated systems, making it difficult to establish whether they meet the required standards.

“These products are often manufactured and distributed outside regulated systems, with no regard for quality standards, safety, or lawful trade practices.”

Beyond consumer safety, police warned that the illegal trade also affects legitimate businesses and manufacturers competing against counterfeit products.

“Legitimate manufacturers and retailers lose market share to illegal traders, leading to reduced production and job losses,” Van Wyk said.

The latest seizure follows several operations conducted across South Africa this year targeting counterfeit manufacturing and distribution networks.

In March, police reported confiscating counterfeit goods worth more than R160 million during separate operations across the Western Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.

Those operations included the closure of a counterfeit manufacturing facility in Johannesburg’s CBD, where police recovered goods and label-printing equipment valued at more than R28 million.

The latest Johannesburg raid adds to ongoing enforcement efforts against the counterfeit trade.

Police have not disclosed whether any arrests were made during Tuesday’s operation.

Investigations are continuing.