Gauteng police arrest 1,154 suspects in weekend Operation Shanela II crackdown

Gauteng police have seized counterfeit merchandise, including Springboks-branded goods, in a major raid this week, part of a nationwide effort to combat illicit trade. The South African Police Service (Saps), in collaboration with various partners, made the arrest in Marabastad. Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk stated that the operation is part of ongoing efforts to disrupt and dismantle the illegal trade, manufacturing, and distribution of counterfeit goods in South Africa.

The team apprehended over 10,000 counterfeit items, encompassing branded sports apparel, footwear, cosmetics, and cellular accessories. This follows a similar operation last week at a storage facility in Johannesburg's CBD, where counterfeit goods worth over R1.5 million, including Springboks-branded merchandise and manufacturing equipment, were seized.

Van Wyk emphasized that the illegal trade in counterfeit and illicit goods infringes on intellectual property rights and poses health and safety risks to consumers. The Saps lauds all participating government departments, law enforcement agencies, brand protectors, and other stakeholders for their collaboration in the fight against counterfeit and illicit goods.

Meanwhile, Apple has sought a Johannesburg High Court injunction against a local company allegedly trading in counterfeit iPhones and packaging. The tech giant claims the products were seized at OR Tambo International Airport in March, and it seeks to declare them counterfeit, halt the company's dealings, and uncover their origin and the network behind them.

South African Revenue Service (SARS) officials detained and seized the consignment on March 17 and July 27, respectively.