Bloemfontein Police
By Natalie Naidoo
Police in Bloemfontein conducted a major two-day operation this week, seizing more than R19 million worth of counterfeit goods and arresting six foreign nationals, in a strategic crackdown on illegal trade within the city’s central business district (CBD).
Massive Haul of Fake Luxury Items
The National Counterfeit Goods Unit, supported by Public Order Policing (POP), SARS Customs officers, brand protection agents, and private security, executed search and seizure warrants under the Customs and Excise Act. During the raids, they confiscated over 13,000 counterfeit items—ranging from shoes and clothing to bags, jewellery, and even watches—all mimicking high-end luxury brands .
Arrests and Charges
Six suspects, all foreign nationals, were arrested for contravening the Immigration Act. One suspect faces an additional charge of resisting arrest during the operation . Police have confirmed that the suspects will remain in custody while further investigations continue ().
SAPS’s Strong Message
Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk, speaking on behalf of the South African Police Service (SAPS), stressed the importance of the operation in shielding consumers, protecting legitimate businesses, and safeguarding the broader South African economy. She emphasised that the SAPS “remains committed to disrupting and dismantling the illegal trade in counterfeit and illicit goods” .
Broader Impact
Counterfeit goods pose multiple threats: consumers risk purchasing low-quality or unsafe products; genuine businesses lose revenue and brand value; and the state suffers from lost tax revenues. The policing effort in Bloemfontein mirrors similar operations in Durban, where over R200 million in fake goods were intercepted this month .
SAPS management has also cautioned that further investigations may reveal links between these operations and organised crime syndicates exploiting the illicit trade networks ().
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