NELSPRUIT - Police in Mpumalanga continue to reduce the space for criminal activities from all directions and as a result an intelligence-driven operation has led to the arrest of an alleged bogus 'Pharmacist', aged 24 on allegations of unlawfully selling schedule 6 medication to some patrons. The male suspect was arrested in Middleburg today, 08 September 2022.

According to the report, information regarding a suspect selling certain medication to people without legal authorisation was brought to the attention of the members, supplied by the Intelligence structure of the police in the province. An operation was then planned to be executed today.

A search warrant was also obtained and after a mobilization of resources was made, members of the police operationalised the said information and proceeded to a certain premises in Middleburg. Upon arrival, the suspect was found and a search of the premises was conducted whereby the medication valued at about R7000 was discovered.

The suspect was then arrested and charged accordingly for illegal possession of schedule 6 medication. Preliminary investigation by the police has since revealed that the suspect is an employee at a certain nutrition shop in the area. Police are working in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders within the health sector and the man could possibly be faced with more charges as the investigation continues.

He is expected to appear in the Middelburg Magistrate's Court soon facing the said charges.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has welcomed the arrest of the suspect and urged the public to help dismantle the underground market of unauthorized distribution of medical health items by not buying the stuff "We would like to warn people to stop gambling with their lives when it comes to issues of health. The public should be extra careful when it comes to being medically treated or receiving any medication from suspicious individuals. Being ignorant can place someone's life in danger and members of the public should rather use the public health facilities or legitimate private health facilities than taking an easier route which can be detrimental to their health" warned Lieutenant General Manamela.

Source: South African Police Service