Volksrust – September 2025
Police in Mpumalanga have shut down a clandestine crystal methamphetamine laboratory worth an estimated R350 million, dealing a heavy blow to the province’s drug trade. The joint operation, carried out on Friday, 19 September 2025, in Oudehoutkloof near Volksrust, led to the arrest of five Mexican nationals and one South African.
The suspects were identified as Isabel Antonio Quintero Corrales (36), Hector Manuel Valenzuela Ontiveros (36), Luis Alberto Osorio Viscarra (31), Jose Omar Molina Jimenez (36), and Nicanor Molina Jimenez (48), along with 61-year-old South African, Bafana Samson Magubane.
The breakthrough came after police received a tip-off from a community member about a strange chemical smell coming from the farm. Acting swiftly under Operation Shanela 2, a multidisciplinary team, including the Department of Home Affairs, descended on the property.
On arrival, officers found the gates locked. Some suspects attempted to flee on foot but were quickly apprehended. Two additional suspects, believed to be from West Africa, managed to escape into nearby bushes and remain at large.
A search of the farm uncovered:
- Large quantities of precursor chemicals used in drug production
- Drug-manufacturing equipment and machinery
- Packaged crystal meth valued at about R350 million, stored in lunch boxes and freezers
- A pellet gun loaded with blanks
- Three live 9mm rounds found on Magubane, who could not produce a firearm licence
The premises were secured, and forensic experts were called in. The Hawks have since taken over the investigation.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the five Mexican nationals’ travel documents were questionable, and they are suspected of being in the country illegally. They face possible charges under the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act as well as the Immigration Act. Magubane faces charges for possession of ammunition and contravention of the Firearms Control Act.
The suspects appeared before the Volksrust Magistrate’s Court on 22 September 2025. The case was postponed to Friday, 26 September 2025, to allow for the services of a Spanish interpreter.
Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, praised the swift police action and the cooperation of the community: “This massive success demonstrates that cooperation between police and other entities is yielding results. By dismantling drug labs like this, we are cutting off the supply at its source. We applaud the community members who continue to work with us by providing valuable tip-offs,” said Mkhwanazi.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, Major General Nico Gerber, added: “Together, we can do more in squeezing the space for drug syndicates. The Hawks will investigate the links and involvement of the Mexican nationals arrested.”
Police have confirmed that intelligence-driven operations will continue across Mpumalanga as part of their intensified campaign to collapse the drug trade in the province.