South African authorities have seized more than 10 000 counterfeit products valued at over R9 million during a raid in Marabastad, Gauteng, as law enforcement agencies intensify efforts to disrupt the country’s illicit goods trade.
The operation was carried out on Thursday, 10 September 2026, by the South African Police Service (SAPS) National Illicit Goods Unit, with support from the Gauteng Illicit Goods Unit, Public Order Policing (POP), the South African Revenue Service (SARS) NRRT Customs Enforcement Unit and brand protection representatives.
Police said the operation was conducted under search-and-seizure warrants and forms part of a broader national campaign targeting the illegal manufacture, distribution and sale of counterfeit goods.
The latest seizure included branded sports clothing, footwear, cosmetics and cellular accessories. Springboks-branded merchandise was also among the counterfeit products removed from circulation.
The operation follows a similar raid in Johannesburg last week, indicating that authorities are continuing to target both storage facilities and distribution points linked to the counterfeit trade.
Counterfeit trade raises consumer safety concerns
SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said the latest operation highlighted the wider consequences of counterfeit goods beyond the financial losses suffered by legitimate businesses.
She said counterfeit products can infringe on the intellectual property rights of brand owners while potentially exposing consumers to health and safety risks.
Unlike legitimate businesses, counterfeit operators frequently work outside regulated supply chains and may not comply with required manufacturing or quality standards. This can make it difficult for consumers to establish the quality, safety or origin of products being sold.
Police also warned that the illicit trade places additional pressure on legitimate businesses and contributes to economic losses by allowing counterfeit products to enter markets without the regulatory requirements faced by authorised manufacturers and retailers.
The latest Gauteng seizure follows an operation conducted at a storage facility in the Johannesburg CBD during the previous week.
Police said that operation resulted in the seizure of counterfeit goods, including Springboks-branded merchandise, together with manufacturing equipment. The total value of the goods and equipment recovered during that raid was estimated at more than R1.5 million.
SAPS thanked government departments, law enforcement agencies, brand protection organisations and other stakeholders involved in the operations, saying continued cooperation was necessary to tackle the counterfeit market.
Apple takes alleged counterfeit iPhones to court
The crackdown comes as technology company Apple pursues a separate legal case involving products it alleges are counterfeit.
Apple has approached the Johannesburg High Court seeking orders against a local company accused of dealing in counterfeit iPhones and packaging.
The disputed products were seized at OR Tambo International Airport in March. According to Apple’s particulars of claim, SARS officials detained the consignment on 17 March before formally seizing it on 27 July.
Apple is asking the court to declare the products counterfeit and to prevent the company involved from dealing in them. It is also seeking information about the origin of the goods and the wider network allegedly involved in their supply.
The court proceedings highlight the legal measures available to major brands seeking to protect their intellectual property, while the Gauteng police raids demonstrate the enforcement side of the country’s response to counterfeit trade.
Authorities have not indicated that the Gauteng seizure and Apple court case are connected.
Police said operations against counterfeit and illicit goods will continue, with law enforcement and brand protection partners working together to identify and remove illegal products from the market.