Namakgale: Members of Operation Vala Umgodi, part of the Mopani District Illegal Mining Task Team, apprehended a 52-year-old suspect in possession of dagga during an intelligence-driven operation in the Mashishimale area, Namakgale, Mopani District. The operation took place on Friday, 15 November 2024, between 08:00 and 16:30, targeting drug-selling suspects.

According to South African Police Service, the team received intelligence about drug dealing activities at three locations around Namakgale. Although nothing suspicious was found at the first location, upon arriving at the second and third locations, they observed a group of suspects fleeing in various directions. Despite the attempted escape, the team successfully apprehended one male suspect carrying sachets containing dagga weighing 0.305 grams.

While continuing their patrol, the team discovered an additional 47 sachets containing dagga, crystal meth, and Nyaope that had been abandoned. This find further underscores the ongoing issue of drug-related
activities in the area.

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, expressed approval of the arrest and the confiscation of drugs, commending the Vala Umgodi operation members for their efforts in combating crime in the province. The arrested suspect is set to appear before the Namakgale Magistrate’s Court on charges of possession of dagga. Police investigations into the matter are ongoing.