A 36-year-old Swazi national, Nqobile Hlophe, was remanded in custody in Piet Retief on Monday, 2 June 2025, after she was arrested during a late-night patrol on the N2 near Mahamba, facing charges of dealing in dagga, attempted bribery, and being in South Africa illegally.
According to police, officers from the Mahamba SAPS stopped a silver Mercedes-Benz sedan around 23:50 on Saturday, 31 May. Hlophe, the sole occupant, tried to convince them not to search her vehicle. However, officers proceeded and discovered ten rolls of compressed dagga hidden inside.
The dagga weighed 56.9 kilograms and has an estimated street value of R300,000. During her arrest, Hlophe allegedly tried to bribe the officers with R7,400—a move that was firmly rejected. A background check revealed she did not have legal status in the country, adding an immigration charge to her case.
She appeared briefly in the Piet Retief Magistrate’s Court and is expected to return on 11 June 2025 for a formal bail hearing.
Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi praised the officers, saying their rejection of the bribe reflects the professionalism and integrity needed to rebuild public trust in law enforcement.