EMALAHLENI – In a collaborative effort between the Emalahleni Local Municipality Law Enforcement and the South African Police Service (SAPS), a targeted operation was launched on Thursday, February 8 to confiscate beauty products from downtown shops that are suspected to be harmful to women’s bodies. Chief law enforcement officer Delisiwe Motha emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that they are taking decisive action against shops selling beauty products that contain ingredients known to pose significant health risks to women. Specifically, Motha highlighted the dangers associated with skin-lightening products containing Hydroquinone and paraffin, substances that have been linked to serious health issues, including cancer. These products, which have been banned since 1990, are now under scrutiny as authorities aim to protect consumers from potentially hazardous beauty items. The manager of the shop was arrested during the operation. The manager said, “I did not know the products are not allowed in South Africa. We buy from a reseller that buys these products in bulk.” A resident from Ezinambeni who wished to remain anonymous said, “I work in an Indian shop in downtown. Yes, there are products sold to women to lighten their skin especially faces. I can safely say that some women the product cream treats them well but some suffer from skin breakdown.” “The skin becomes darker as if it was burnt and it becomes dry. Many women use a cream called “Caro Light” that cream is very dangerous,” she said. “I am failing to understand why women want to become light-skinned. Some will even go to extremes by getting their bodies injected to become light,” Themba Zulu expressed. “I would marry a woman who loves herself and also her own skin colour. A black or brown skin girl is so beautiful, that is true beauty. I so wish we can teach our children that they are beautiful without makeup or having to change their skins to be light,” he added.
