Illicit Hair Product Operation Exposed in Pinetown, Suspects Arrested

Posted on November 27, 2024
by Yashmika Dukaran


Police have uncovered evidence of counterfeit and illicit hair products being sold to major retailers and hair salons across KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. A raid on a property in Somerset Place, Pinetown, on Tuesday revealed a manufacturing operation where these products were being produced.

SAPS KZN spokesperson Robert Netshiunda explained that the investigation began with the theft of a flow bin in Westmead on Sunday, which led officers to the Pinetown residence. Upon searching the house, police discovered it was being used to produce various hair products, which were found to have barcodes matching those of a different product from a North American country.

During the raid, two undocumented foreign nationals were found hiding in the ceiling and arrested, alongside two women—one of whom was also a foreign national.

The house is owned by a foreign national, identified as a pastor with a church in Umbilo. Police also found his branded vehicle parked in the yard, featuring photographs of him, his wife, and various hair product brands. Invoices recovered during the raid revealed that the illicit hair products had been sold to wholesalers, retail stores, and hair salons, primarily in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.

Authorities are continuing to search for the owner of the property. The suspects, aged between 34 and 37, are expected to appear in the Pinetown Magistrate's Court on Wednesday.