NELSPRUIT – The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has appreciated members for the arrest of a 34-year-old man on charges of dealing in drugs. The alleged peddler came face-to-face with the arm of the law and subsequently apprehended by police, with suspected sachets of Nyaope on Wednesday, 09 March 2022 in Amersfoort.

His arrest comes after police received information about a man who was in an underground mission trip from Gauteng Province to Amersfoort CBD (town), carrying a bag of drugs (Nyaope). Police in Amersfoort acted swiftly on the information and when the man arrived in Amersfoort with his luggage around 17h00, he was unaware that police were waiting for him. As soon as the man noticed the presence of police, he quickly got into another vehicle (a blue Toyota Conquest) which police believe might be linked to the man’s mission.

The said vehicle reportedly drove off as the members drew nearer, with its driver ignoring police as they called for him to stop. A chase between the police and the said vehicle then ensued. The man, who was still carrying his load, was then dropped off by the vehicle next to the municipality offices in Amersfoort. He then began to run on foot but the energetic and fit members went out of the police car as well and caught up with his pace in a short time. Meanwhile the said vehicle fled but police are busy following some leads regarding the car and hopefully a breakthrough will be made in that regard. The man was then searched accordingly whereby two plastic bags stashed with nyaope sachets were found in his possession.

Police also found extra two sachets of dagga as well as undisclosed amount of cash in his possession. The recovered drugs are estimated to worth about R48 000 in street value and the suspect was immediately arrested and charged accordingly.

He is expected to appear before the Amersfoort Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 11 March 2022 facing charges of dealing in drugs.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela continue to thank the public for their unwavering support to police efforts of rooting out crime. “Providing us with such information about criminal activities will surely enable us to reach our ultimate goal of safety for all citizens” emphasized the General.

Source: South African Police Service