Johannesburg law enforcement officials have arrested a suspected drug kingpin in the inner city as part of Operation Nomakanjani Manje Namhlanje, a large-scale crime prevention initiative targeting undocumented individuals and organised crime.
The operation, conducted on 5 March 2025, involved members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), the Department of Home Affairs, and immigration officials. In addition to the high-profile arrest, the operation resulted in the capture of more than 200 suspects.
Drug Kingpin Arrested in Johannesburg, 200 Suspects Captured
According to eNCA, former MMC David Tembe, who previously served as the JMPD police chief, confirmed that officers raided the suspect’s flat, where they discovered a large quantity of drugs.
The suspected kingpin, whose identity has not yet been revealed, is believed to be a major player in the city’s drug trade.
Authorities are investigating his connections to broader criminal networks operating in Johannesburg and beyond.
The law enforcement operation also targeted crime hotspots in the inner city, including Noord Taxi Rank and Hillbrow, areas known for drug trafficking, illegal immigration, and other criminal activities.
During the operation, law enforcement officials confiscated a range of illegal goods, with assistance from Home Affairs officials and private security.
According to Eyewitness News, during the raid, officials also recovered drugs and ingredients used to manufacture counterfeit alcohol.
A video circulating on X (formerly Twitter) shows law enforcement officers conducting mass arrests, with several undocumented foreign nationals taken into custody pending verification of their legal status by Home Affairs officials.
Johannesburg: Key Battleground in South Africa’s Drug War
Johannesburg has become a focal point in South Africa’s ongoing battle against drug trafficking and abuse.
Numerous significant incidents in the city have highlighted both the challenges and the law enforcement efforts aimed at tackling the issue.
According to Eyewitness, In February 2025, two South African nationals were arrested at OR Tambo International Airport for attempting to smuggle cocaine valued at approximately R7.5 million.
The suspects arrived separately from Brazil, each carrying significant quantities of the drug.
In December 2024, a coordinated operation led to the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of 5kg of crystal methamphetamine worth approximately R1.3 million in Johannesburg.
Do you think crackdowns like Operation Nomakanjani can reduce crime in Johannesburg in the long run?
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