NELSPRUIT - The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney has once again praised members of the police at Kamhlushwa for their relentless efforts in the fight against trafficking of dagga and drugs in general. The expression by the General comes in a wake of a 26-year-old male suspect, identified as Colane Maphosa who was arrested on allegations of being in possession of dagga yesterday, 13 June 2022. The man appeared in court where he was granted bail of R3 000-00 by the Nkomazi Magistrate’s Court today, 14 June 2022.
According to the information, members of the police from Kamhlushwa were conducting stop and searches on the R570 next to One Three Hill, near Malelane when they stopped a grey Ford Fiesta sedan. During the search, eight (08) bags stashed with dagga were discovered inside the said car, with an estimated street value of about R500 000-00, weighing at 125,388 kg's.
The vehicle was reportedly heading towards Nelspruit where the dagga was assigned to be delivered to specific persons. The preliminary investigation by the police has since revealed that the vehicle, which was also seized, belongs to the suspect and it is believed that the suspect could be working with others in the alleged dagga trafficking but his mission was intercepted by the astute members before he could reach his destination.
The man was immediately arrested and charged for being in possession of dagga. Mr Colane Maphosa is not off the hook yet but he is expected to appear in the same court on 04 July 2022 facing the said charges.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela has further warned those who might consider smuggling dagga or other drugs, that they will find the men and women in Blue waiting for them on the other side. "The trafficking of drugs especially along the Nkomazi area which is next to the borders of Mozambique and the Kingdom of Eswatini is a call for concern, however the police are equal to the task and will do everything possible to deal with the situation. The public is also urged to assist by alerting the authorities of any information regarding criminal activities" said the General.
Source: South African Police Service