The Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) teams from Head Office Pretoria and Gauteng Provincial SCCI, in collaboration with Vispol, Border Police, and Brand Holders, conducted a large-scale operation in Johannesburg.
The raid resulted in the confiscation of counterfeit goods worth over R1 million and the arrest of 31 undocumented immigrants.
The operation targeted a warehouse in Crown Mines and Dragon City Mall, both identified as major hubs for counterfeit trade.
Background and investigation
According to South African Police Service statement, the operation began after authorities received intelligence on 27 February 2025.
The information indicated that warehouses in Johannesburg’s Crown Mines and Dragon City were allegedly distributing counterfeit goods.
In response, the Hawks’ SCCI team at Head Office Pretoria secured a search and seizure warrant on 12 March 2025.
On 17 March 2025, law enforcement officers conducted the raid, leading to the seizure of counterfeit Hart Pots valued at over R1 million.
The confiscated goods are now subject to further investigation.
Arrests and legal action
During the operation, authorities discovered 31 undocumented immigrants in one of the warehouses.
These individuals were arrested and are undergoing legal processes.
Although authorities have not yet made any arrests in connection with the counterfeit goods, they have initiated criminal proceedings against the warehouse owners.
The Hawks remain resolute in their commitment to tackling commercial crime and the proliferation of counterfeit goods.
Investigations are ongoing, with further updates to follow as the case develops.
South Africa Steps Up Efforts to Combat Counterfeit and Illicit Goods
According to IOL, one notable case saw the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sentence two Zimbabwean nationals to five years in prison for possessing counterfeit goods valued at R8 million.
The Polokwane Specialised Commercial Crimes Court handed down five-year prison sentences to Samuel Nkomo (38) and Jesphat Aaron Mawire (46) for their involvement in smuggling counterfeit tobacco products.
Authorities continue to clamp down on illegal trade, aiming to dismantle networks that distribute fake products across the country.
These counterfeit products pose serious health risks to consumers and undermine legitimate businesses.
What steps do you think authorities should take to more effectively combat the growing issue of counterfeit goods and undocumented immigration in South Africa?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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