23 Pakistani nationals nabbed for contravening Immigration Act, 1 for selling counterfeit goods
Authorities seized fake items valued at over R2 million. Working with a coalition of agencies, the South African Police Service (SAPS) executed the operation on Friday at a shopping mall, in Fordsburg.
Picture: @SAPoliceService/X
JOHANNESBURG - 24 Pakistani nationals have been arrested in Fordsburg following a major raid on counterfeit goods.
Authorities seized fake items valued at over R2 million. Working with a coalition of agencies, the South African Police Service (SAPS) executed the operation on Friday at a shopping mall, in Fordsburg.
The raid uncovered over 8,000 counterfeit items, including cellphones and electronics, with the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa officials also confiscating non-compliant devices.
Twenty-three suspects face a charge of contravening the Immigration Act, while one individual has been arrested specifically for dealing in counterfeit goods.
SAPS spokesperson Amanda van Wyk says the crackdown seeks to protect consumers and businesses from the harms of illegal trade.
"The SAPS, along with its partners, is committed to eradicating the illegal trade of counterfeit goods to safeguard consumers, legitimate businesses, and the economy of this country."
Authorities are calling this a significant step in the fight against counterfeit operations in Gauteng.