NELSPRUIT – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Nkangala District, through Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit, has led the team that confiscated counterfeit and illicit goods worth over R1.5 Million during a Search and Seizure Operation in Middelburg.
The operation, which was conducted on Tuesday, 22 September and Wednesday, 23 September 2026, formed part of the ongoing multi-disciplinary efforts to combat the trade in counterfeit goods, illicit trade and foodborne-related contraventions.
The team comprised of members of the SAPS Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit, supported by sister departments including Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) and the Department of Agriculture.
During the operation, various premises were searched and a total of 1687 items were seized, including:
- Powder cockroach killing bait
- Cockroach bond traps
- Mosquito repellent
- Cockroach gel syringes
- Cigarettes
- ORS Olive Oil creams
- Olive Oil Glossing Hair Polisher
A case of selling counterfeit goods is being investigated. In addition, non-compliance notices were issued by the Environmental Health Practitioners and the Department of Agriculture and further action is anticipated.
The SAPS continues to warn business owners to refrain from selling counterfeit and illicit goods, as such products pose a serious health risk to consumers and undermine legitimate businesses.
Members of the public are urged to report the sale of counterfeit and illicit goods to their nearest police station, via Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or through the MySAPS App that can be downloaded from any smartphone.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise, has commended the team for the breakthrough. “We commend our Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit and our partners from Environmental Health and the Department of Agriculture for this significant seizure. The sale of counterfeit and illicit goods, especially consumable and chemical products, poses a serious health risk to our communities and undermines legitimate businesses. Operations to combat illicit trade and ensure compliance will continue across the province. We urge business owners to comply with the law and we call on communities to report those selling fake and unsafe products,” said the General.