TWELVE suspects were arrested in Pomona on Tuesday afternoon for allegedly manufacturing a well-known brand of spices.
Kempton Park SAPS received a tip-off about suspicious activity at a house on Kronkel Road.
“When police arrived they found eight suspects, six Chinese and two Malawian nationals, at the house,” said Capt Jethro Mtshali, spokesperson for Kempton Park SAPS.
“Upon inspection, we found they were manufacturing spices, including curry and yeast products. We called in expert customs officials to check the validity of the business which was when it was established the operation was illegal.”
According to Mtshali, the property was used as a manufacturing warehouse.
“The police were taken to another property, also in Pomona, which was used as a storage warehouse for the illegally manufactured products,” explained Mtshali.
“Four more suspects were arrested at this warehouse.
EXPRESS saw what appeared to be boxes of Robertsons spices, curry powders and Gold Star Instant Yeast. Also at the warehouse was machinery used for manufacturing the products, as well as branding material.
Home affairs representatives were called to the scene which led to another charge being added.
“Representatives of Home Affairs found that identification and citizenship documentation provided by the 12 suspects were fake,” added Mtshali.
Investigations are ongoing.
