An intelligence-driven operation led to the arrest of several drug dealers at various police stations within the Gert Sibande District on Friday, 09 January 2026.
Information was received regarding drug-dealing activities taking place in certain streets in Volksrust. Acting on this information, members successfully conducted an operation that led to multiple arrests.
The first suspect, a 46-year-old Nigerian national, was arrested after being found in possession of the following drugs:
• 12 sachets of Nyaope, weighing 18 grams
• 06 tablets of Mandrax, weighing 21 grams
The estimated street value of the drugs is approximately R3 800-00.
In the same vicinity, a second suspect, a 35-year-old Nigerian national, was found in possession of:
• 17 sachets of Crystal Meth, weighing 67 grams
• 03 stones of CAT, weighing 45 grams
The estimated street value of these drugs is R6000-00.
A third suspect, a 44-year-old Nigerian national, was arrested at a different address and found in possession of:
• 10 sachets of uncrushed CAT, weighing 38 grams
The estimated street value is approximately R3700-00.
All three suspects are expected to appear before the Volksrust Magistrate’s Court on 12 January 2026 on charges of dealing in drugs.
Separately, on 08 January 2026, a 22-year-old South African national was arrested for possession of drugs in Ermelo. The task team received information about a suspect who was allegedly in possession of drugs and intending to hitchhike to Carolina.
The suspect was monitored during the operation and found in possession of:
• 28 sachets of Nyaope
• 20 small stones of rock, packaged in sachets
The estimated street value of the drugs is approximately R10 000-00.
The suspect appeared before the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on 09 January 2026 on a charge of possession of drugs and was released with a warning
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended members for their swift response in arresting the suspects. He further warned criminals that drug-related activities will not be tolerated in the province. “We will work around the clock to fight drug-related crime, as it remains a serious problem in our society,” said Major General Mkhwanazi.
