The combined efforts of the South African Police Service (SAPS), represented by the MAJOC Roving Team as part of Operation Vala Umgodi, the National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit, and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs, have resulted in significant successes in the ongoing battle against counterfeit goods and illicit cigarettes. In total, over R21 million worth of illegal goods were confiscated between 16 and 18 January 2025.
In the Vhembe District, coordinated operations by the MAJOC Roving Team, in collaboration with the Bloemfontein K9 Unit, targeted illicit trade in the Mphephu and Musina policing precincts. This operation led to the seizure of counterfeit goods and other illegal merchandise worth R6,694,227. In Musina, a high-speed car chase resulted in the interception of two BMW sedans suspected of transporting illicit cigarettes. After the occupants fled, police discovered several boxes of illegal cigarettes in the abandoned vehicles, valued at R729,891. Both vehicles were confiscated as part of the investigation.
On 17 January 2025, operations at shops in Mphephu led to the seizure of counterfeit cosmetics worth R154,030 and illicit cigarettes valued at approximately R1,726. The following day, in Musina town, operations at 10 shops uncovered counterfeit clothing valued at R6,222,435 and counterfeit cosmetics worth R119,675, bringing the total for the day to R6,342,110.
On 18 January 2025, the coordinated efforts of SAPS and SARS Customs led to the arrest of a 44-year-old foreign national for smuggling illicit cigarettes at the Beitbridge Port of Entry. The suspect, driving a white truck with a tanker trailer, was stopped by police, who discovered that the truck was fully loaded with illicit Remington Gold brand cigarettes. The cigarettes, valued at R14,449,363, were confiscated along with the truck and tanker, valued at R2.5 million. The suspect was arrested and is expected to face charges of smuggling illicit cigarettes in the Musina Magistrate’s Court.
These operations, which also included stop-and-search activities, route patrols, and foot patrols, are part of the broader efforts under Operation Vala Umgodi to combat illegal mining, curb the distribution of counterfeit and illicit goods, and protect local economies. Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, praised the police for their vigilance and effective collaboration in disrupting illegal trade at the borders, highlighting the significant impact of these operations on the fight against criminal activities in South Africa. Investigations are ongoing.
