The eThekwini Municipality confirmed that Metro Police, working with various law enforcement agencies, successfully recovered R1.1 million worth of counterfeit Springbok-branded merchandise following a major sporting event in the city.

The seizure occurred just after the Springboks delivered a thrilling 67-30 victory over Argentina in a high-scoring Rugby Championship clash at Kings Park Stadium in Durban on Saturday.

The reigning world champions scored nine tries, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu achieving a hat-trick and setting a national team point-scoring record. Pieter-Steph du Toit added two tries, propelling South Africa to the top of the Rugby Championship standings. This win sets up a final showdown: the Springboks will clinch the title if they secure a bonus-point victory against Los Pumas in the decider at Allianz Stadium in London this Saturday.

The massive influx of fans following Saturday’s win created a huge market for illegal vendors, prompting the successful police operation.

The KwaZulu-Natal province stated: “A successful operation resulted in the recovery of over R1.1 million worth of counterfeit Springbok-branded items by the Metro Police working together with other law enforcement agencies. 
“The operation resulted in the recovery of 781 Springbok-branded clothing items, including caps, hats, scarves, T-shirts, beanies, and earmuffs.”

Metro Police Spokesperson Colonel Boysie Zungu explained that the action was executed under the Counterfeit Goods Act, protecting the integrity of legitimate brands and removing illicit merchandise from circulation. Zungu added that this forms part of ongoing efforts to curb various crimes within Durban.

City law enforcement will need to maintain vigilance when Bafana Bafana plays Zimbabwe in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 10 October.