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ARTICLE · 21 OCTOBER 2026

Major Counterfeit Merchandise Bust Ahead Of Springboks Clash

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South African law enforcement authorities conducted a major operation in Johannesburg's CBD, seizing over 1,700 counterfeit sports items worth more than R1.5 million just days before a high-profile Springboks versus New Zealand rugby match. The multi-agency raid uncovered not only fake merchandise bearing well-known sports brands but also manufacturing equipment, suggesting the premises served as both a production facility and distribution center for counterfeit goods.

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Law enforcement authorities seized more than 1 700 counterfeit sports items valued at over R1.5 million in the Johannesburg CBD days before a highly anticipated Springboks versus New Zealand rugby match.

The operation was conducted by a multi-disciplinary team including the South African Police Service’s National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit, Gauteng Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit, Public Order Policing, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, South African Revenue Service Customs officials and representatives of affected brand owners. Acting on search-and-seizure warrants, the team seized counterfeit sportswear and footwear bearing various well-known brands, including the SPRINGBOKS trade marks.

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