NELSPRUIT – Police in Mpumalanga province are working diligently to curb the proliferation of all types of drugs. Recently a total of four suspects aged between 23 and 38 were arrested in two separate incidents. Three were nabbed in Chrissiesmeer near Ermelo with six bags of dagga whilst another was caught in possession of suspected Heroin in Hazyview in November 2022.

The report indicates that information regarding a person in possession of suspected drugs was brought by the intelligence structure of the police and it led to the arrest of the suspect in Hazyview. A team consisting of members from Tactical Response Team (TRT) in Pienaar, Provincial Crime Intelligence Gathering and their counterparts from Vehicle Investigation Section operationalised the information. The team tactically proceeded to a certain house in Numbi Park near Hazyview. They then entered in one of the rented rooms where they reportedly found a man and conducted a search inside the room. They then found substances which are suspected to be drugs wrapped in small plastic bags. The street value of the substances is yet to be determined. The man was arrested and charged accordingly.

He is expected to appear before the White River Magistrate’s Court today Monday, 28 November 2022 facing a charge of possession of suspected drugs.

Meanwhile earlier that day (25 November 2022) at around 01h30 am members of the police at Chrissiesmeer were busy patrolling along the N17 Road between Chrissiesmeer and Warburton. They then stopped an NP200 Nissan bakkie with three occupants. A search was conducted whereby six (06) bags stashed with dagga weighing at about 82.70 kg’s were found hidden inside the said car. The estimated street value of the dagga is at about R120-000. The three suspects were arrested and charged with dealing in dagga. They already appeared at the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 25 November 2022 where their case was postponed to 29 November 2022 for a formal bail application. The three, Mcebo Mkhotha (38), Mphumelele Dlamini (34) and Mabandla Dlamini (38) were remanded in custody.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has commended members for their unwavering position when it comes to elimination of all forms of drugs in the society.

Source: South African Police Service