Two additional arrests made related to Paarl illegal steroid manufacturing lab

The Hawks' Narcotics Enforcement Bureau has made two additional arrests related to an illegal steroid manufacturing lab in Paarl, in the Western Cape.

A 40-year-old woman and a 39-year-old man appeared in the Paarl Magistrates Court on Thursday after being arrested on Wednesday.

The two suspects are allegedly part of an illegal steroid manufacturing and distribution ring located in Franschhoek.

Forty-year-old Clementhea Stoffels and 39-year-old Cheslin Cornelius appeared in the Paarl Magistrates Court after being arrested by the Hawks' Narcotics Enforcement Bureau on Wednesday.

Stoffels and Cornelius later joined their co-accused, Jade Sowter and Raynard Stander, at the Paarl Regional Court.

Hawks spokesperson Zinzi Hani said Sowter and Stander were arrested in March 2025, after a tip-off led to a search-and-seizure operation at a clandestine laboratory in Franschhoek.

"During the search, pressing, sorting, and labelling machines, scales, and ovens were discovered. Powder and suspected Schedule 4 medicines were also discovered."

Hani said the four accused are out on bail and are due back in court on 5 March 2026.