The police in Tonga confiscated dagga amounting to approximately R7 million in Sibange near Tonga, Mpumalanga, on Friday, 13 June 2025, following a high-speed chase with the Ehlanzeni District (Tonga Task Team).
The task team was conducting a stop and search operation in the Sibange area when they stopped a grey VW Polo.
However, the driver refused to stop, prompting a chase that went on for 10 kilometres.
POLICE DISCOVER MORE THAN 20 COMPRESSED BAGS OF DAGGA
After the long chase, the suspect abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot.
Police recovered more than 20 compressed bags of dagga and confiscated the vehicle.
“The suspect eventually abandoned the vehicle in the Khombaso area and fled into nearby bushes. Upon searching the vehicle, officers discovered 24 compressed bags of dagga, believed to be worth millions of rand,” read the police statement.
The SAPS urged anyone with information on the suspect’s whereabouts to contact the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or to submit tip-offs via the MYSAPS App.
Operation Vala Umgodi nabs eight suspects, drugs seized
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape, through Operation Vala Umgodi, has arrested eight suspects in connection with drugs.
The eight suspects, aged between 24 and 49, were arrested during a multi-disciplinary, intelligence-driven operation conducted in the Frances Baard District.
Operational teams discovered a significant quantity of abandoned dagga at the Beefmaster illegal mining site.
SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN DIFFERENT LOCATIONS
The first five male suspects were arrested at a construction site in Rhodesdene for breaking the South African Immigration Laws after it was discovered that they had entered the country illegally.
Furthermore, two more suspects were arrested in an informal settlement near Tlhageng, Galeshewe, for drug dealing.
Police seized drugs, including methamphetamine (commonly known as Tik) and Mandrax tablets during the arrest.
Lastly, a 31-year-old male suspect was apprehended in De Beershoogte, Barkly West, after also being found with suspected Tik and Mandrax tablets.
The drugs were seized as evidence.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Kimberley and Barkly West Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday, 17 June 2025.
The police encouraged citizens to report any criminal activity anonymously on via the MySAPS App or by contacting the Crime Stop hotline on 08600 10111.
Do you think Operation Vala Umgodi is helping in combating illegal mining and crime?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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