A Chatsworth couple, Natalie and Gerald Perumal, who co-own the Magic Touch Car Wash and Magic Touch Salon in Umhlatuzana, have been embroiled in a drug scandal after being arrested on charges of dealing in drugs, possession of cocaine and mandrax, and dispensing medication without a permit.
Blaming Tenants for the Drugs
Natalie, 33, and her husband, Gerald, 32, appeared in the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court on Monday, with Natalie blaming their tenants for the drugs found on the premises of their Umhlatuzana home. According to the charge sheet, police found cocaine in packets, plastic sealed envelopes and plastic vials, and paraphernalia with cocaine residue on it, as well as a large quantity of mandrax tablets in eight clear plastic bags.
During her bail application, Natalie claimed that she and her husband were unaware of the drugs and that their tenants were responsible. She stated that the tenants lived in an outbuilding on the property and that all of the seized items were found in that building. Natalie also mentioned that four males who lived on their property were arrested and released.
Charges and Bail
The couple was also charged with possession of suspected stolen property, including seven LED and four halogen stadium lights belonging to the eThekwini Municipality. Gerald was denied bail, while Natalie was released on R10,000 bail. In her affidavit, Natalie stated that she had ties to her family, home, child’s school, community, and salon, and earned about R15,000 per month.
Here are some of the key charges against the couple:
- Dealing in drugs
- Possession of cocaine and mandrax
- Dispensing medication without a permit
- Possession of suspected stolen property
- Defeating the ends of justice
Gerald, in his affidavit, stated that he was the sole supporter of his family and paid for his 13-year-old child to attend a semi-private school. He also mentioned that he was in arrears with payments for his home and two vehicles, a VW Tiguan and Audi, and that he earned between R13,000 and R15,000 a month from his car wash business.
