Police deal decisive blow against illicit trade in North West, R60 million worth of counterfeit goods seized in a week

NORTH WEST – The South African Police Service (SAPS) together with its crime-fighting partners, continues to record commendable progress in dismantling the illegal trade in counterfeit and illicit goods across the country.

Within a week, police seized counterfeit goods valued at more than R260 million during multiple takedown operations in North West province.

More than 100 shops in and around Coligny, Klerksdorp, Lichtenburg, Mafikeng, Potchefstroom, Rustenburg, Ventersdorp, and Zeerust were identified and targeted between 15 and 24 September 2025.

From these operations, police confiscated over 86 000 counterfeit items that include designer branded clothing, sports apparel, footwear, bags, caps, toys, and consumables. Police also confiscated counterfeit medicines valued at more than R45 000.00, along with illicit cigarettes and liquor.

The integrated operations were led by the National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit, supported by Public Order Policing and Crime Prevention Units in North West as well as major role players such as the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs Division and brand protectors.

Acting under the authority of the Counterfeit Goods Act, 1997, custom officials and brand protectors play a crucial role in identifying, verifying, and detaining counterfeit items. The Act protects intellectual property rights by prohibiting and preventing the trade in and manufacturing of counterfeit goods.

These recent operations form part of ongoing national efforts to disrupt organised criminal networks, protect legitimate businesses, and safeguard the public from potentially harmful products.