Welkom Crackdown: Foreign Nationals Arrested with R500,000 Worth of Counterfeit Goods

Welkom, Free State – Law enforcement authorities in the Free State have intensified their fight against illicit trade following the arrest of two foreign nationals in possession of counterfeit goods valued at an estimated R500,000.

The Vala Umgodi Combat Team, working alongside the Pro-Active VOC 1 Team, carried out a disruptive and compliance operation in Welkom on Friday, 26 September 2025. During the raid, officers discovered large quantities of illicit cigarettes and counterfeit products, leading to the swift arrest of the suspects, aged 47 and 36.

READ: Border Management Authority Seizes Counterfeit Goods Worth Over R2.8 Million at Kosi Bay |

Seized Counterfeit Goods

Authorities confiscated:

• Hundreds of boxes of counterfeit cigarettes (brands including Chief, Remington Gold, Savannah, Sahawi, and Ossum)
• Rolling papers and skin-lightening creams
• Several boxes of tablets believed to be sold illegally

These items were immediately removed from circulation, striking a significant blow to the illegal market in the province.

Legal Action Underway

The suspects face charges of possession of illegal cigarettes and contravention of the Counterfeit Goods Act. They are scheduled to appear before the Welkom Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 29 September 2025.

Crackdown on Illicit Trade

Authorities have emphasized that counterfeit goods not only harm the economy but also pose serious health risks to consumers. Operations like these form part of a wider campaign to disrupt criminal networks and protect legitimate businesses across South Africa.

“This arrest sends a strong message that illicit trade will not be tolerated in our communities,” a spokesperson said.

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With counterfeit and illicit goods continuing to infiltrate local markets, law enforcement agencies remain committed to conducting ongoing compliance operations across the Free State and beyond.