Foreign nationals busted while illegally producing counterfeit hair products at KZN pastor’s house! Police in KwaZulu-Natal have arrested four individuals, including two undocumented foreign nationals, for allegedly manufacturing counterfeit hair products at a pastor’s residence in Somerset Place, Farningham Ridge, Pinetown.
The arrests came after police traced a stolen flow bin to the property, where they discovered a larger illicit operation.
Discovery of Counterfeit Manufacturing
Provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, stated that the investigation began when police received information about a stolen flow bin reported missing on November 24, 2024, in Westmead. Acting on this intelligence, police were led to the pastor’s residence in Somerset Place.
“During the search, police recovered the stolen flow bin and found that the house was being used as a manufacturing site for various counterfeit hair products,” said Netshiunda.
Evidence of Fraudulent Products
Preliminary investigations revealed that the barcodes on the hair products matched a different product originating from a North American country, suggesting that the goods were being fraudulently produced and labeled.
Further searches of the property revealed additional evidence pointing to widespread distribution of the counterfeit products.
Arrests and Discovery
Two undocumented foreign nationals were discovered hiding in the ceiling during the police operation and were immediately arrested. Two other women, including one foreign national, were also apprehended in connection with the illicit manufacturing operation.
The house, owned by a foreign national pastor with a church in Umbilo, served as the hub for this illegal activity.
Links to Widespread Distribution
Colonel Netshiunda revealed that the operation had a far-reaching impact on the local economy.
“Invoices recovered at the scene indicate that the counterfeit hair products were being sold to renowned wholesalers, retail stores, and hair salons, primarily in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape,” he said.
Additionally, the pastor’s vehicle, parked on the property, was adorned with images of himself, his wife, and various hair product brands—possibly used as a marketing strategy.
Ongoing Investigation
Police are continuing their investigation to identify all individuals involved in the counterfeit operation. They are also searching for the owner of the house, who is currently at large.
“This is a significant breakthrough in addressing the illegal counterfeit market, which not only undermines legitimate businesses but also poses potential risks to consumers,” said Netshiunda.
Suspects Expected in Court
The suspects, aged between 34 and 37 years old, are facing charges related to counterfeit production and possession of stolen goods. They are expected to appear in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
The police have not yet disclosed whether additional charges will be filed as the investigation unfolds.
Consumer and Industry Implications
The discovery highlights the growing issue of counterfeit goods in South Africa, particularly in the beauty and personal care industry. These illegal operations can harm businesses, damage reputations, and compromise consumer safety due to the unregulated nature of such products.
Netshiunda urged consumers and retailers to be vigilant when purchasing goods, advising them to verify product authenticity through official channels.
Law Enforcement’s Commitment
This operation is part of a broader effort by law enforcement to combat illegal activities that exploit vulnerable sectors of the economy. Colonel Netshiunda emphasized the importance of public cooperation in reporting suspicious activities.
“Community members and businesses play a crucial role in helping us address crimes of this nature. We urge anyone with information to come forward and assist us in ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice,” he said.
Conclusion
The arrest of the suspects and the uncovering of a counterfeit hair product operation demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence-led investigations. As the case moves forward, it serves as a reminder of the critical role law enforcement plays in safeguarding both businesses and consumers from fraudulent practices.
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