Police in Mpumalanga have strengthened security majors when it comes to dagga trafficking from neighbouring countries, including the Kingdom of Eswatini.
As a result a suspect (31) was arrested on Monday, 15 May 2023 at about 11:30 am after being reportedly caught in the act by the SAPS members from Mahamba Port of Entry .
Security has been tightened on borderline where recently false vehicle compartments were uncovered. Yesterday a new tactic was discovered by the police officers when an undocumented foreign national from the Kingdom of Eswatini was nabbed with a gas cylinder which was sealed, but fully loaded with dagga.
The suspect was spotted by police officials with a plastic bag containing the gas cylinder.
On suspicion, the cylinder was thoroughly checked and police could notice that it was sealed however they (police) suspected that it could be loaded with something else other than gas.
That was when police cut open the cylinder then discovered dagga weighing at 4,316 kilograms. The estimated street value of the dagga is at about R18127-20. The suspect was arrested and charged for possession of dagga as well as being in the republic without valid documentation.
The suspect is expected to appear at the Piet Retief Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, Wednesday, 17 May 2023 facing the said charges.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has praised members for their vigilance which has led to the success.
