BLOEMFONTEIN – A two-day joint operation in the Bloemfontein central business district has resulted in the seizure of counterfeit goods valued at more than R5 million.

The National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit led the operation with support from multiple agencies, including the Free State Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit, South African Revenue Services Tax Investigation Unit, Customs Free State Dog Unit, Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Consumer Protection Office, Anti-Gang Unit, and brand protectors.

More than 6 000 counterfeit items were seized during the operation, including clothing, shoes, high-end fashion accessories, cellphone accessories, pharmaceuticals, and consumables.

Police spokesperson Lt Col Amanda van Wyk said similar operations were conducted in other provinces this week as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle the illegal trade in counterfeit and illicit goods across the country.

Last month, police seized counterfeit goods worth more than R200 million during nationwide operations.

The multi-agency approach reflects intensified efforts by law enforcement to combat the counterfeit trade, which affects legitimate businesses and poses potential health and safety risks to consumers.