Three suspects, aged between 32 and 52, were arrested by police on the N2 Road in Mpumalanga after they were allegedly found in possession of dagga. The arrest occurred near the stretch of road between Pongola and Piet Retief, when officers from the Mahamba port of entry were conducting routine patrols.
The police spotted a red Mercedes Benz minibus carrying three occupants—two men and a woman—and decided to stop the vehicle for a search. During the inspection, authorities discovered eight rolls of dagga wrapped in black plastic bags. The police immediately took the suspects into custody and charged them with dealing in dagga.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had been traveling from eSwatini and were en route to KwaZulu-Natal. The two male suspects are South African citizens, with the vehicle registered to the 37-year-old male suspect. The minibus was impounded for further examination. The female suspect, however, is a foreign national from eSwatini and did not possess the necessary documentation to be in South Africa.
The confiscated dagga weighed approximately 45 kilograms, with an estimated street value of R67,500. The suspects are expected to appear at the Piet Retief Magistrate’s Court on Monday, January 20, 2025, where they will make a formal bail application. Police have also indicated that additional charges for violating the Immigration Act may be pursued, particularly in the case of the foreign national.
Mpumalanga’s acting provincial police commissioner, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, expressed his satisfaction with the swift action taken by the police. He also issued a firm warning to those involved in the trafficking of illegal substances. “Our officers continue to work tirelessly to combat the trafficking of dagga and other illegal substances,” said Mkhwanazi. “Those who engage in these activities should be aware that they will face serious legal consequences.”
The arrest serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to curb the illegal drug trade and enforce stricter immigration controls. Authorities are committed to maintaining safety on the roads and ensuring that illicit activities do not go unchecked.
