South African fake tech crackdown

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has been cracking down on counterfeit tech in the country, including phones, phone accessories, and other electronics.
Since 25 October 2024, the SAPS has made three busts involving counterfeit goods and seized inventory valued at around R6.8 million.
“This week, the SAPS, alongside its crime-fighting partners, seized counterfeit items valued at over R3 million in the Johannesburg CBD,” the SAPS said in a statement on 26 October.
It added that two suspects, identified to be illegal foreign nationals, were arrested during the operation.
The operation occurred on Friday, 25 October, under a search and seizure warrant targeting shopping malls in Johannesburg CBD.
The SAPS confiscated over 6,000 counterfeit products, including pharmaceuticals, clothing, and various watches.
In another raid on Friday, 8 November, the SAPS seized counterfeit goods, including cellphones, cellphone accessories, and other electronics, valued at more than R2 million.
The SAPS executed the operation in Fordsburg and arrested 23 Pakistani nationals for contravening the Immigration Act, while another was arrested for dealing in counterfeit goods.
Police and other law-enforcement partners searched stores in a shopping mall on Terrace Road, Fordsburg, under a search and seizure warrant.
They confiscated over 8,000 counterfeit goods and other illicit electronic items flagged by the Independent Communication Authority of South Africa officials for non-compliance.
According to the SAPS, the National Counterfeit Goods Unit, Gauteng Provincial Counterfeit Goods Unit, and various other law-enforcement partners conducted both of these operations.
“The SAPS, along with its partners, is committed to eradicating the illegal trade of counterfeit goods to safeguard consumers, legitimate businesses, and the economy of this country,” it said.
A third counterfeit goods operation occurred on Wednesday, 13 November, in Randburg, Johannesburg.
The raid was carried out by the Gauteng Visible Policing Team, which deals with counterfeit and illicit goods. They worked with brand protectors, and the operation led to the arrest of three suspects.

Police confiscated 896 counterfeit goods, including various watches and cellphone accessories, valued at just under R1.8 million.
“This operation demonstrates the police’s commitment to safeguarding the community from counterfeit goods and protecting consumers from substandard products,” the SAPS said.
According to an African Law and Business report, counterfeit goods pose a continued and pervasive threat to the South African economy, and sales tend to increase as the festive season approaches.
These fake goods are often advertised at significantly lower prices than the official products, making them appealing to customers looking to save money during the festive season.
This has a big impact on the South African economy, siphoning off substantial revenue from legitimate companies and acting as a deterrent to other legitimate businesses entering the South African market.
Moreover, the counterfeit trade in the country is linked to organised crime, including drug trafficking and terrorism.
Those found guilty of dealing in fake goods can face hefty consequences. First-time offenders could be fined up to R5,000 or imprisoned for up to three years.
Repeat offenders face fines of up to R10,000 or a prison sentence of up to five years.
Some of the most notable South African companies fall victim to having their products counterfeited. In February 2023, police seized and destroyed 5,000 fake DStv remote controls.
“MultiChoice takes this matter very seriously and is committed to protecting its brand and trademarks from being exploited by pirates,” said former MultiChoice corporate affairs head Tumi Masekela.
“We have been working closely with Adams & Adams to address this issue, and we are also grateful for the support of the SAPS and Customs authorities.”
MultiChoice added that the fake remotes undermined its intellectual property rights and posed a significant threat to its profitability and reputation.