MASSIVE DAGGA BUSTS WORTH OVER R2 MILLION IN MPUMALANGA PRAISED BY SAPS ACTING COMMISSIONER
In the early hours of the morning at approximately 03:45, Crime Prevention members from Chrissiesmeer, alongside Rural Safety officers and Crime Prevention Wardens, were conducting routine stop-and-search operations along the R33 road between Warburton and Carolina. A suspicious Toyota Hilux bakkie bearing Gauteng registration plates ignored police orders to stop, prompting a high-speed pursuit.
EZOMPHAKATHI
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has lauded the efforts of police officers and law enforcement partners following two major dagga recoveries in the province on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. The separate incidents, which occurred in Hazyview and Chrissiesmeer, resulted in the seizure of cannabis worth over R2.1 million and the arrest of three suspects.
In the early hours of the morning at approximately 03:45, Crime Prevention members from Chrissiesmeer, alongside Rural Safety officers and Crime Prevention Wardens, were conducting routine stop-and-search operations along the R33 road between Warburton and Carolina. A suspicious Toyota Hilux bakkie bearing Gauteng registration plates ignored police orders to stop, prompting a high-speed pursuit.
Officers managed to intercept the vehicle and discovered a 33-year-old man from the Kingdom of Eswatini inside. A thorough search revealed 64 small packets and 24 large packets of dagga, concealed in the rear of the bakkie. The total weight of the haul amounted to 381 kilograms, with an estimated street value of R800,000. The suspect was promptly arrested and charged with dealing in dagga.
Later the same day, around 09:30 AM, SAPS K9 Unit members in White River received a tip-off regarding another white Toyota Hilux bakkie, this time with Mpumalanga registration plates, allegedly transporting a large quantity of dagga along the R40 route between White River and Hazyview. The information was relayed to POLSEC members from Spesplan Security, who swiftly responded.
The vehicle was intercepted, and during the search, law enforcement discovered 16 large bags filled with dagga. Two suspects were arrested on the scene. The total weight of the drugs was approximately 320 kilograms, with a street value estimated at R1.3 million.
All suspects have been charged accordingly, and the vehicles used in both incidents were seized as part of ongoing investigations.
Major General (Dr) Mkhwanazi praised the swift and decisive actions of the officers involved. “We are proud of the dedication and vigilance displayed by our members and partners. These recoveries send a strong message that Mpumalanga is not a safe passage for drug traffickers,” he said.
The SAPS has reiterated its commitment to continue working closely with communities and other safety stakeholders to curb drug-related crimes in the province.