Ongoing efforts by the South African Police Service (SAPS) to combat drug-related crimes have resulted in the arrest of four suspects during separate operations conducted in the Wakkerstroom policing precinct on 07 July 2026.
In the first incident, at approximately 23:00 on 07 July 2026, members of the Wakkerstroom SAPS Crime Prevention Unit were conducting routine patrols and stop-and-search operations along the R543 when they attempted to stop a silver-grey Volkswagen Polo hatchback bearing North West registration plates.
The driver failed to comply with police instructions and sped off, leaving the main road onto a gravel road. Police pursued the vehicle until it was abandoned by the occupants, who fled on foot.
Following a foot chase, police arrested Mthunzi Nhleko (36) and Mpumelelo Vuyisile Malaza (38), while two other suspects managed to evade arrest and remain at large. A search of the abandoned vehicle led to the discovery of three plastic bags containing dagga.
The two suspects appeared before the Volksrust Magistrate’s Court, where they remain in custody. The matter was postponed to 22 July 2026 as police continue with investigations and the search for the two outstanding suspects.
In a separate operation conducted earlier on the same day between 12:00 and 16:00, members of Mahamba SAPS were conducting an operation on the N2 Road aimed at enhancing crime detection and public safety. At approximately 13:30, police stopped and searched two Toyota Avanza vehicles transporting passengers. During the operation, all passengers and their luggage were searched, leading to the arrest of Bhekisa Justice Nkosi (35) of Pongola, who was travelling to Newcastle, and Mdumiseni Promise Lukhele (46), a foreign national who was travelling from the Kingdom of Eswatini to Kriel.
Police seized dagga during the operation. Bhekisa Justice Nkosi was charged with dealing in dagga, while Mdumiseni Promise Lukhele was charged with dealing in dagga and being an illegal immigrant.
The two suspects appeared before the Volksrust Magistrate’s Court on 08 July 2026, where they remained in custody. Their case was also postponed to 22 July 2026.
Combined, the two operation resulted in the seizure of approximately 28.526 kg estimated street value of 175 000-00.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi commended the members for their vigilance and dedication in disrupting the movement and distribution of illicit drugs. He reaffirmed SAPS’ commitment to intensifying operations aimed at dismantling drug trafficking networks and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice.
