Police seize counterfeit items worth R15.5m from Joburg CBD

JOHANNESBURG - More than 18,000 counterfeit items worth R15.5 million were seized by police during an operation in Johannesburg's CBD.

Police intelligence also led the team to hidden storage facilities at a shopping mall on the corner of Rahima Moosa and Von Wielligh Streets on Friday night.

Police spokesperson Amanda Van Wyk outlined the various role players involved: “Police in collaboration with members of Gauteng Traffic, officials from the South African Revenue Services, Johannesburg Emergency Management Services, brand protectors, crime prevention wardens, and private security companies executed a search-and-seizure warrant in terms of the Customs and Excise Act.”

She said police uncovered a hidden storage facility.

“Intelligence also led the team to hidden storage facilities at the mall whereby special equipment was utilised to gain entry. 

“The operation resulted in the seizure of over 18,000 counterfeit items seized that included shoes, sports apparel, handbags, caps and perfumes.”