Police Bust R260 Million Fake Goods in North West
Police display seized counterfeit goods worth R260 million during a North West crackdown
image: Central News
by Kelebogile Matlou
South African police found counterfeit items worth more than R260 million after a week-long investigation in the North West region, arresting over 100 individuals. The crackdown, which took place from September 15 to 24, 2025, targeted hotspots in Coligny, Klerksdorp, Lichtenburg, Mafikeng, Potchefstroom, Rustenburg, Ventersdorp, and Zeerust. The measure, which aims to eliminate unlawful trade networks, demonstrates the country’s commitment to combating crime, protecting consumers, and defending legitimate enterprises.
The National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit led the searches, which were carried out in collaboration with Public Order Policing, Crime Prevention Units, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs Division, and brand protection groups. The teams seized almost 86,000 counterfeit items, including knock-off designer clothing, shoes, sportswear, toys, food, and accessories.
Police also discovered counterfeit drugs worth more than R45,000, raising concerns about the health hazards they pose to naive users. Authorities also discovered illegal cigarettes and alcohol, which not only avoid taxes but also violate health and safety standards.
Officials highlighted that counterfeit items pose dangers in addition to cheap imitations. Fake medicines can be dangerous to one’s health, improper toys can injure children, and illicit booze and cigarettes can include poisonous ingredients. On the economic front, counterfeit trade drains billions of rands from South Africa’s economy each year, endangers legitimate firms, and causes job losses – especially in provinces like North West, where employment is already scarce.
The coordinated raids, part of Operation Vala Konke, aimed to disrupt supply chains and dry up the market for counterfeit goods. More than 100 suspects, including shop owners, salespeople, and suppliers, were arrested and face accusations that could result in large fines or prison sentences.
Police spokespeople described the operation as a “win for the economy” and a step toward protecting communities from harmful counterfeit goods. Authorities also asked the public to report suspicious goods and avoid buying low-cost “designer” things or pharmaceuticals from untrustworthy vendors.
This operation is part of a nationwide push to combat counterfeit trade. Earlier this year, police recovered R90 million in counterfeit products in similar operations across Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. SARS continues to play an important role in catching counterfeit imports at the border, while worldwide brand watchdogs help identify bogus products flooding the market.
While the R260 million bust is one of the largest seizures in the North West to date, experts warn that the fight against counterfeit trade is not ended. Authorities said continuing community support, frequent raids, and solid cooperation will be critical in combating the illegal trade.
For North West residents, however, the operation is viewed as a success for safer shopping and stronger local businesses.
