Police bust counterfeit Vaal factory

A factory that manufactured counterfeit products on a plot in the Vaal was closed down and goods with a value of more than R10 million seized, Gauteng police said.

"Police followed up on information on Wednesday relating to the manufacturing of counterfeit goods," said Captain Doniah Mothutsane.

"They searched the premises and found counterfeit goods that included soaps, clothing, bags, shoe polish, hair shampoo, tobacco and luxury clothing labels."

Nine suspects believed to be members of a syndicate have been arrested and charged with manufacturing and dealing in counterfeit goods.

"It is believed that the counterfeit goods are being distributed to other syndicate members that may include shop owners throughout the province... more arrests are expected."

Seven of the suspects, who were from Malawi, Mozambique and China, were also charged with being in the country illegally after it was found that their passports had expired.

The group is expected to appear in the Vereeniging Magistrate's Court soon.