The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (known as Hawks) confirmed two more suspects have been linked to the illegal steroid manufacturing laboratory that was uncovered in Paarl in the Western Cape.

The Hawks’ provincial spokesperson, Zinzi Hani, said the two suspects, Clementhea Barbara Stoffels, 40, and Cheslin Cornelius, 39, made a brief appearance in the Paarl Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. 

They have been added to the initial case where they’re set to join their two co-accused in the Paarl Regional Court. 

“The discovery was made on February 12, 2025, by the Hawks’ South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB) working together with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA). The arrest stems from a tip-off received in January 2023 regarding steroids that were couriered from Franschoek and distributed to local recipients,” Hani said. 

The couriered parcels were intercepted by authorities and sent to a laboratory for testing. The report came back positive for the narcotic. 

Hani said two suspects were identified during the investigation. 

“The team finally identified the premises and found them fully operational. A search and seizure operation was authorised and conducted. During the search, pressing, sorting, and labelling machines, scales, and ovens were discovered. Moreover, powder and suspected Schedule 4 medicines were also discovered,” Hani said. 

During Stoffels and Cornelius’ brief court appearance, the duo were released on R500 bail each. 

The matter has been postponed until March 5, 2026, for the suspects to consult with their attorneys. 

robin.francke@iol.co.za

IOL

Source link