A routine police patrol along the R360 corridor has resulted in the arrest of two suspected drug dealers and the recovery of narcotics valued at over R134,000.
On Wednesday evening, 03 June 2026, at around 21:00, officers from the Witdraai South African Police Service (SAPS) were conducting standard patrol duties on the road linking Upington and Askham when they identified a silver vehicle carrying two male occupants for a stop.
A search of the vehicle and its occupants led to the discovery of a substantial quantity of illegal substances. Inside a large plastic bag, officers found multiple smaller packages of dagga (cannabis), with an estimated street value of R31,750. Separately, hundreds of Mandrax tablets were uncovered, valued at approximately R102,500. The total estimated value of the seized contraband is R134,250.
The two men, aged 37 and 39, were taken into custody on suspicion of dealing in drugs. The silver vehicle they were traveling in was also impounded by police, as it is alleged to have been instrumental in the commission of the offense.
The suspects are scheduled to make their first appearance in the Rietfontein Magistrate’s Court in the near future to face formal charges of drug dealing.
Major General Monica Sebili, the ZF Mgcawu District Commissioner, praised the Witdraai SAPS team for their proactive policing and attention to detail during the operation. She used the opportunity to issue a clear message to individuals involved in the illegal drug trade within the district.
“This success underscores our continued commitment to disrupting narcotics networks,” Major General Sebili stated. “Law enforcement efforts to combat drug-related crime will remain intensified, and those who break the law will face arrest and prosecution.”
The South African Police Service encourages the public to assist in crime prevention by reporting suspicious activities related to drug trafficking through official reporting channels.
