Article re-cap
- The SAPS National and Western Cape Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Units seized approximately R10 million worth of counterfeit goods during a multidisciplinary operation at a Bellville shopping complex on Tuesday, 16 June 2026.
- National police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk confirmed that more than 40 shops were targeted, with seized items including high-end counterfeit branded clothing, shoes, bags, watches, sunglasses, caps and branded packaging.
- A similar operation at the same complex one week earlier resulted in the seizure of counterfeit goods valued at more than R98 million.
- Combined, the two operations resulted in counterfeit goods worth more than R100 million being seized within a single week.
- The multidisciplinary team involved SAPS, the Cape Town Metropolitan Police Department, City of Cape Town Law Enforcement and brand protectors.
Police, working with multiple agencies, seized R10 million worth of counterfeit goods from a shopping complex in Bellville on Tuesday; the operation highlights ongoing efforts to combat illicit trade and protect local businesses.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) National and Western Cape Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Units seized approximately R10 million worth of counterfeit goods during a coordinated operation at a shopping complex in Bellville. According to the police statement, national police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk confirmed that more than 40 shops were targeted on Tuesday, 16 June 2026.
The seizure included high-end counterfeit branded clothing, shoes, bags, watches, sunglasses, caps and branded packaging. The operation was supported by members from SAPS, the Cape Town Metropolitan Police Department, City of Cape Town Law Enforcement and brand protectors. This follows a similar takedown operation conducted at the same complex a week prior.
That previous operation resulted in the seizure of counterfeit goods valued at more than R98 million. Combined, both operations yielded a total seizure exceeding R100 million within one week. These efforts are part of nationwide initiatives to disrupt the trade in illicit goods.
The police stated that these operations aim to safeguard public safety, protect legitimate businesses and contribute to the country’s economy. The ongoing seizures demonstrate a sustained effort against counterfeit products, according to the statement.
Key Takeaways
- The SAPS National and Western Cape Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Units seized approximately R10 million worth of counterfeit goods during a multidisciplinary operation at a Bellville shopping complex on Tuesday.
- More than 40 shops were targeted, with seized items including high-end counterfeit branded clothing, shoes, bags, watches, sunglasses, caps and branded packaging.
- A similar operation at the same complex one week earlier resulted in the seizure of counterfeit goods valued at more than R98 million.
- Combined, the two operations resulted in counterfeit goods worth more than R100 million being seized within a single week.
- The multidisciplinary team involved SAPS, the Cape Town Metropolitan Police Department, City of Cape Town Law Enforcement and brand protectors.
- The operations form part of nationwide efforts to dismantle the trade in counterfeit and illicit goods, which threaten public safety, legitimate businesses and the country’s economy.
Frequently asked questions
When did the Bellville counterfeit goods raid take place?
The raid took place on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, at a shopping complex in Bellville.
Who confirmed the details of the Bellville operation?
National police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk confirmed the details of the operation.
How many shops were targeted during the operation?
More than 40 shops were targeted during the operation on 16 June 2026.
What was the combined value of goods seized in both Bellville operations?
The two operations, conducted one week apart at the same complex, yielded a combined seizure of more than R100 million worth of counterfeit goods.
Source: sanews.gov.za, capeargus.co.za, iol.co.za, smilefm.co.za
