Dagga trafficking on the rise in the Lowveld
Over the past six months, the Lowveld has seen a staggering number of dagga trafficking cases reported by the SAPS and local security companies. Locals, immigrants, and even police officers have been implicated, including members of the SAPS Flying Squad, prompting the public to question the integrity of law enforcement.
ALSO READ: Three cops among five arrested in drug bust on N4
Three officers – Sergeant Jabulane Mbuyane, Sergeant Solomon Mebo, and Constable Lavandre LaReservee – were arrested on June 10 for allegedly escorting a Toyota Corolla transporting 107 bags of dagga along the N4 near the Matsulu T-junction.
They appeared in court on June 12 and were each granted bail of R1 500. Their next appearance is scheduled for July 25. Two additional suspects, Joel Mamba (44) and Monica Zwane (34), are facing separate charges of dealing in dagga. Their bail application was heard on June 18.
ALSO READ: UPDATE: Man and woman granted bail for N4 dagga bust
Commenting on the arrest of SAPS members, the acting provincial police commissioner, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, stated:
'No one is above the law. If any member is found to be on the wrong side of the law, they will face the consequences – without fear or favour.'
On Friday, members of the Tonga Task Team under the Ehlanzeni District Police recovered 24 compressed bags of dagga during a high-speed chase in the Sibange area. The suspect fled on foot into nearby bushes after abandoning a grey VW Polo.
ALSO READ: Two men arrested for possession of dagga of more than R4.7m
In a separate bust on June 10, two suspects were found transporting 660kg of dagga from eSwatini to Zimbabwe, concealed in 19 compressed bales with a street value of over R3m. This operation was led by ACS Security, in support of the BACSA E2 Mpumalanga Operational team. One eSwatini national was arrested, while the second suspect was later apprehended in Limpopo.
On April 14, a Barberton Agri farmer reported suspicious activity on the outskirts of his farm near the Kaapsehoop Road. Responding officers from Hi-Tech Security found no suspects on scene, but recovered 800kg of dagga.
Earlier this year, on January 28, during routine patrols, the White River Flying Squad intercepted two suspects in a white Toyota Quantum on the R538 near KMI Airport, discovering 50 compressed
bags of dagga weighing approximately 1 020kg.
ALSO READ: Two men arrested in Barberton for dealing in dagga
On January 14, the police recovered 10 bags of dagga weighing about 270kg during a stop-and-search operation near Sheba Siding, Barberton. Officers had pulled over a white Isuzu bakkie travelling from Low's Creek.
Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, spokesperson of the Mpumalanga police, said:
'We are concerned about the increased number of individuals dealing in dagga, particularly within the province. However, with continued efforts such as Operation Shanela 2, we are able to intercept traffickers. Stations where dagga was seized include Tonga, Wakkerstroom, Mayflower, and the Mahamba Border Post. Most of the dagga appears to originate from eSwatini. We are continuing our efforts and aim to dismantle these syndicates.'
These are just a few of the many cases currently under investigation.
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