Police in the North West have seized counterfeit goods worth R260 million. This was done through the police’s operation aimed at dismantling the illegal trade in counterfeit and illicit goods across the country.

The integrated operations were led by the National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit, in collaboration with Public Order Policing and Crime Prevention Units in the Province, and other role players such as SARS Customs Division and brand protectors.

Police say more than 100 shops in and around Coligny, Klerksdorp, Lichtenburg, Mafikeng, Potchefstroom, Rustenburg, Ventersdorp, and Zeerust were identified and targeted during the operation. That is where they confiscated over 86 000 counterfeit items that include designer-branded clothing, sports apparel, footwear, bags, caps, toys, and consumables.

Police also confiscated counterfeit medicines valued at more than R45 000, along with illicit cigarettes and liquor.

#sapsNW Within a week, police seized counterfeit goods valued at more than R260 million, during multiple takedown operations in North West province.

From these operations, police confiscated over 86 000 counterfeit items that include designer branded clothing, sports apparel,… pic.twitter.com/9IjFnCCBEj

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) September 27, 2025