By Mapaballo Borotho
- Illicit detergents worth millions were seized at an informal settlement in Windmill Park, east of Johannesburg.
- The Hawks uncovered chemicals and products allegedly repackaged into recycled containers labelled as well-known brands.
- The seized items will undergo forensic analysis as investigations continue.
Illicit chemicals and manufactured detergents worth millions of rands have been seized at an informal settlement in Windmill Park, the East of Johannesburg.
These detergents were seized during an operation by the Hawks following information received from a brandholder regarding a suspected makeshift manufacturing facility producing detergents and foam bath products on Tuesday.
Upon arrival at the premises, members discovered large quantities of chemicals and finished products, including thick bleach, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid, foam bath and ammonia-based cream cleaner. It is alleged that the chemicals are mixed in 200-litre barrels and subsequently repackaged into recycled containers bearing labels of well-known brands manufactured by Unilever and Colgate-Palmolive,” said Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale.
Mogale says some of the chemicals that were found at the scene include caustic soda, Kulubrite, soda ash light, sodium hypochlorite and sodium chloride, which are commonly used in the manufacturing of detergents and soaps.
Containers that were yet to be cleaned and reused for further repackaging were also confiscated.
“All seized finished products and chemicals will be subjected to forensic chemical analysis to determine their composition and to establish whether they are counterfeit and in contravention of applicable legislation.”
The investigation into the matter is ongoing.
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