A 36-year-old man from the Kingdom of Eswatini has been arrested for possession of dagga during a police operation in Mpumalanga. The arrest forms part of the ongoing Operation Safer Festive Season being carried out by SAPS across the province
According to police, the suspect was intercepted on Sunday, 7 December, during an operation on the N17 Oshoek road between Ermelo and Chrissiesmeer. Officers stopped and searched a vehicle, where they discovered approximately 30 kilograms of dagga with an estimated street value of R90 000.
The suspect, identified as Sabelo Terrence Ndzabukelwako, was arrested and charged with possession of dagga. He appeared before the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 8 December, where he was granted bail of R2 000. The matter was postponed and he is expected to appear again in court on 25 February 2026.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, praised the officers involved, saying police were “pleased with the success of this operation and the efforts of our members in preventing and combating crime.” He further urged community members to report drug-related activity and work with police “to create a safer and more secure environment for all individuals, particularly during the festive season.”