A series of intelligence-led police operations across Limpopo province resulted in the arrest of four suspects and the seizure of illicit drugs with a combined estimated street value of R80,000, the South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed on Saturday.
According to Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the SAPS Mahwelereng Detectives, in collaboration with the K9 Unit, launched a tactical operation on Friday, June 6, beginning at 06:00. The mission targeted three individuals at separate locations in an effort to disrupt the regional drug trade.
In the first phase of the operation, police moved into Mosesetjane Village, where a 21-year-old African male was arrested at his residence. A thorough search yielded 155 sachets of Nyaope, 57 sachets of Cat, 31 sachets of Crystal Meth, and an undisclosed amount of cash.
The second suspect, a 26-year-old African male, was taken into custody in Danisani Sandsloot Village. Police recovered 46 sachets of Crystal Meth and 13 sachets of Nyaope during the search of his homestead.
In the final phase, a 39-year-old African female was arrested in Masodi Village. Officers discovered five sachets of Nyaope, two sachets of Crystal Meth, and additional cash on the premises.
“All three suspects were detained at Mahwelereng SAPS and are facing charges related to the Contravention of the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act, Act 140 of 1992 – Possession of Prohibited Drugs,” Colonel Ledwaba stated. The total estimated street value of the drugs seized in this operation is approximately R10,000.
The trio is scheduled to appear before the Mahwelereng Magistrate’s Court on June 9, 2025.
Later the same day, at approximately 16:00, a separate intelligence-driven operation was executed in Lephalale town. The operation involved SAPS Detectives, Visible Policing, the K9 Unit, and Tracing Team members. A 47-year-old foreign national male was arrested after police seized Cat and Crystal Meth drugs from his residence with an estimated street value of R70,000.
The suspect will face charges of possession and dealing in drugs and is expected to appear before the Lephalale Magistrate’s Court on Monday, June 9, 2025.
SAPS has reiterated its commitment to dismantling drug networks across Limpopo and urged the public to continue providing information that could assist law enforcement efforts.