Gauteng police have confiscated goods worth about R500,000, including consumables, cell phone accessories, illicit honey, pesticides, and illicit liquor, as part of operations against counterfeit and contraband products.
Police said the confiscation formed part of a series of operations targeting counterfeit, contraband, and illicit goods.
Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said the operations were conducted in the Cleveland and Langlaagte areas of the Johannesburg District and in Germiston in the Ekurhuleni District between June 23 and 25, 2026.
“The operations resulted in the confiscation of counterfeit consumables, cell accessories and pesticides worth approximately R500,000,” she said.
Nevhuhulwi said on Tuesday, June 23, a joint operation comprising members of the Gauteng Counterfeit Unit, Brand Protectors and the Department of Agriculture was conducted in Cleveland.
She said during the operation, police confiscated counterfeit consumables and illicit pesticides worth about R8 600.
The operation continued on Wednesday, June 24, in the Langlaagte area.
“Members of the Gauteng Counterfeit Unit, Brand Protectors and the Department of Agriculture confiscated counterfeit items with an estimated value of R156, 666.”
“In addition, illicit honey and pesticides valued at approximately R194, 935 were also confiscated.”
She said on Thursday, June 25, the same team operated in Germiston where they confiscated counterfeit consumables, cell phone accessories, illicit pesticides and illicit liquor, all to the estimated value of R162 340.
Nevhuhulwi said compliance notices were also issued to 14 shops and one prohibition of sale notice was issued.
“Gauteng police urge consumers to remain vigilant and report any suspected counterfeit, contraband or illicit goods to the nearest police station, as the sale and distribution of counterfeit products may pose serious health risks to consumers.”
“All criminal activities may be reported on the Crime Stop Line at 08600 10111, or anonymous tip-offs can also be given on MySAPSApp, which can be downloaded on any smartphone. Information received will be treated with the strictest confidence,” she added.
IOL News
Simon Majadibodu
iol.co.za
