LOOK: Police seize counterfeit goods worth R1.5 million in Middelburg

In Middelburg, Mpumalanga, police seized over a million rand worth of counterfeit and illicit goods during a recent operation. The search, carried out by the SAPS Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit, was supported by Environmental Health Practitioners and the Department of Agriculture. Colonel Mavela Masondo of the Mpumalanga police revealed that the operation, which spanned two days, resulted in the seizure of 1,687 items.

These included items such as cockroach-killing powder, glue traps, mosquito repellent, gel syringes, cigarettes, Olive Oil creams and glossing hair polisher. A case of selling counterfeit goods is currently being investigated. Environmental Health Practitioners and the Department of Agriculture also issued non-compliance notices.

Colonel Masondo cautioned business owners against selling counterfeit and illicit goods, emphasizing the health risks these products pose to consumers and the damage they cause to legitimate businesses. Lieutenant-General Apaphia Modise, the Mpumalanga provincial police commissioner, echoed these concerns, stating that the sale of counterfeit and illicit goods, particularly consumable and chemical products, poses a serious health risk and undermines legitimate businesses.

She urged business owners to comply with the law and encouraged communities to report the sale of fake and unsafe products. The public can report such activities to their nearest police station, Crime Stop, or through the MySAPS app.