Three men—two from Eswatini and one South African—have landed in serious legal trouble after being caught with over 117 kilograms of dagga in a major early-morning police operation in Ekulindeni, Mpumalanga. Nowa Mkhonto (39), Phinda Mnisi (30), and Mxolisi Mavimbela (36) appeared in the Chief Albert Luthuli Magistrate’s Court today following their arrest on charges of drug dealing and immigration violations.
Acting on a tip-off about suspicious activity in the area, police swooped in and discovered six large bags containing dagga valued at approximately R700,000. Authorities believe the suspects were waiting to transport the drugs to Limpopo when they were intercepted.
While all three face charges of drug dealing, Mkhonto and Mnisi also face immigration charges for being in the country without legal documentation. The arrests highlight ongoing concerns around cross-border crime and drug trafficking between South Africa and its neighbors.
The suspects remain in custody and are set to reappear in court as investigations continue.
