Cape Town — Police in Mpumalanga have arrested four men, including two foreign nationals, after intercepting a vehicle carrying dagga worth an estimated R1.8 million at the Middelburg Toll Plaza on Tuesday evening.
According to provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, the operation was carried out by members of the Middelburg Flying Squad, Middelburg K9 Unit, and Provincial Counter Intelligence, who acted on intelligence received about two Toyota GD-6 Double Cab bakkies allegedly transporting a large consignment of dagga.
The bust took place around 17:30 on 15 July when officers stopped one of the bakkies and discovered 15 bags containing dagga weighing approximately 307 kilograms.
#sapsMP #SAPS Middelburg #FlyingSquad, Middelburg #K9Unit and Provincial Counter Intelligence acted on intell resulting in the swift arrest of 2 male suspects, aged 39 and 50 with dagga estimated at the street value of about R1.8 MIL at the Middelburg Toll Plaza on Tuesday,… pic.twitter.com/x93hs26k3j
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) July 17, 2025
“While officers were busy effecting the arrest, two men — foreign nationals from Lesotho — approached the officers and offered a bribe of R13,000 in an attempt to secure the release of the suspects and their cargo,” said Ndubane.
The officers immediately arrested the two men, who have since been charged with bribery.
All four suspects are expected to appear before the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court today, 17 July 2025.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, praised the officers involved.
“Though members were offered cash to look away, they remained committed to the SAPS Code of Conduct. This is the calibre of members that gives us joy, as they are determined to root out criminal activities,” Mkhwanazi said.
Police investigations are ongoing.
Picture: X/@SAPoliceService
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
