Global supply shortages and pricing pressure have led to a surge of counterfeit cases in South Africa.

Counterfeit ( ‘Fake’) premium branded bearings can pose exponential threats to a business in terms of machine reliability as well as to the health and safety of workers and the environment. 

What’s more, companies face the risk of increased operational costs that extend far beyond the purchase price and may additionally experience irreversible reputational and legal damage.

In light of this, we are thrilled to see the HAWKS and SAPS working together with bearing manufacturers to put an end to counterfeiters in South Africa.

On Friday, 22 April 2022, R5 million worth of NSK branded counterfeit bearings were seized and two arrests were made following a raid at a bearing and power transmission supplier in Tulisa Park, Johannesburg.

Officers executed a search and seizure operation, where they found counterfeit bearings were being sold to the public. They discovered “large quantities of bearings” with the branding and logo of manufacturer NSK, said Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel Nkwalase.

According to a statement issued by the South African Police Service, the arrests were made following an in-depth investigation into counterfeit bearing spares sold to the public under the guise of genuine NSK products.

Further, criminal and civil processes against the suspects aged 49 and 52 have commenced. Each will be served with a J175 summons in due course to appear in court for contravention of the Counterfeit Goods Act following the conclusion of all investigations.

We would sincerely like to commend the proactivity of the officers, and everyone involved in the seizure and look forward to witnessing more of these successful interceptions in the future.