Bhekithemba Simelane (43), a Swazi National was arrested for dealing in dagga on Tuesday, 20 February 2024. Simelane one of the taxi commuters, was found with dagga wrapped around his body. The suspect was arrested on the N2 Piet Retief-Pongola Road.
According to information, police from Mahamba Port of Entry were performing normal stop and search duties when they stopped a Toyota Quantum taxi. A search was conducted and a large quantity of dagga, weighing 3,922kg wrapped around Simelane’s body was found.
He was arrested and charged for dealing in dagga.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was en route to Vryheid in Kwazulu Natal Province.
He made his first court appearance in Piet Retief Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 21 February 2024 and was remanded custody with his next court appearance scheduled for Wednesday, 06 March 2024 for formal bail application.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela welcomed the arrest and reiterated that Mpumalanga routes should never be mistaken for illicit activities.