NELSPRUIT – A 37-year-old man, John Mathebula, appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court today, 28 July 2025, following his arrest for dealing in dagga with an estimated street value of R1,5 million.
Members of the SAPS White River K9 Unit acted on intelligence regarding a white Toyota Corolla suspected of being used to transport dagga smuggled across the border by drug mules. The vehicle had been identified and circulated as part of an ongoing investigation.
On 25 July 2025 at approximately 18:40, informants spotted the vehicle traveling from Barberton towards Mbombela. An interception team was immediately activated. The vehicle was successfully intercepted near Mataffin, just outside Nelspruit. The driver attempted to flee on foot but was swiftly apprehended.
Upon searching the vehicle, police discovered 17 bags of dagga, weighing approximately 250 kg, with a street value estimated at R1,5 million. The vehicle was confiscated for further investigation.
John Mathebula was arrested on the scene and charged with dealing in dagga. He was granted R1,000-00 bail and is expected to appear in court again on 29 September 2025.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the arrest and commended the members for their swift response in combating crime, particularly drug related offences in the Lowveld area.
