The South African Police Service (SAPS) has seized a massive consignment of illegally imported electronics, including Apple iPhones and Samsung devices, with an estimated value exceeding R17 million. This major bust occurred during a targeted operation at a mall in Fordsburg, Johannesburg, a location identified as a central hub for the illicit electronics trade....Click to Read More >>➤
Intelligence-Led Operation Targets Fordsburg Mall
Acting on specific intelligence, a multidisciplinary team descended on the Fordsburg mall. The operation brought together experts from the SAPS Commercial Crime Investigation Unit, Border Policing, the Johannesburg Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), and the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), supported by private security.
During the raid, officers uncovered and confiscated more than a thousand electronic items. The haul included high-end cellphones, two-way radios, and various accessories. All the seized devices were classified as non-type-approved, meaning they lacked the necessary certification from ICASA for legal sale or use within South Africa.
Seized Goods Violate Key South African Laws
Authorities confirmed that the confiscated items directly contravened the Customs and Excise Act and the Electronic Communications Act. The presence of these illegally imported Apple iPhones and Samsung gadgets represents a significant breach of national regulations.
A non-type-approved device has not undergone the mandatory certification process by ICASA. This process ensures that electronic equipment meets South Africa’s technical and safety standards and does not interfere with other communications networks.
The inventory of seized goods featured prominent brands, including Apple iPhones and Samsung Galaxy smartphones. Officers also recovered IMEI and ICASA labels, along with two-way radios.
Section 35 of the Electronic Communications Act is clear. It states that no person may use, supply, sell, offer for sale, lease, or hire any type of electronic communications equipment unless the Authority has approved it. The sale of these illegally imported Apple iPhones and other devices was a direct violation of this law.
Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps
Police have transported all the confiscated electronics to a secure ICASA storage facility. The items will remain there for safekeeping and further technical analysis as the investigation continues.
SAPS indicated that the investigation is actively progressing. Authorities are now focused on tracing the supply chain of these illegally imported Apple iPhones and Samsung devices. Their goal is to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for smuggling the goods into the country. This seizure of illegally imported Apple iPhones and other electronics highlights a continued crackdown on the grey market for unauthorized devices in South Africa. ...Click to Read More >>➤
