Police seized approximately 2.2 kilograms of dagga found inside a red bag during a patrol along the R543 near Piet Retief. Photo: SAPS Mpumalanga.
Six suspects have been arrested during drug-related police operations in Standerton, Piet Retief and Chrissiesmeer, while a further suspect remains at large after abandoning a vehicle containing dagga.
Police in Mpumalanga have reported six arrests following intelligence-driven and Safer Festive Season operations conducted across the Gert Sibande District on 10 and 11 November 2026.
According to a statement issued by the South African Police Service (SAPS) on Thursday, 12 November, the operations resulted in the seizure of dagga and other suspected drugs, including crystal methamphetamine, mandrax and CAT.
Dagga Seized Near Piet Retief
On Tuesday, 10 November, police conducting routine patrols along the R543 in the Mahamba area near Piet Retief stopped and searched a 30-year-old Eswatini national.
Officers reportedly discovered approximately 2.2 kilograms of dagga in a red bag carried by the suspect. He was arrested, and the drugs were confiscated.
During a separate operation on the N2 near Mahamba, police attempted to stop a white sedan travelling at high speed.
According to SAPS, the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle after noticing officers, resulting in two burst tyres. The driver fled on foot, abandoning the vehicle.
Police subsequently discovered five bags of dagga inside the vehicle and seized both the drugs and the vehicle. A search for the driver was launched.
A white sedan and bags of dagga seized near Mahamba after the driver allegedly fled the scene on foot. Photo: SAPS Mpumalanga.
Two Arrested Near Chrissiesmeer
On Wednesday, 11 November, police arrested two suspects during a stop-and-search operation along the N17 near Chrissiesmeer, outside Ermelo.
Officers stopped a Hyundai company truck occupied by two Eswatini nationals.
A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of 15 bags of dagga, with an estimated street value of R50 000.
Both occupants were arrested.
Fifteen bags of dagga, valued at approximately R50 000, seized during a stop-and-search operation on the N17 near Chrissiesmeer. Photo: SAPS Mpumalanga.
Three Arrested in Standerton
Three additional suspects were arrested during intelligence-driven operations in Standerton on the same day.
In the first incident, a 27-year-old man was allegedly found in possession of suspected crystal methamphetamine and mandrax tablets valued at approximately R5 200.
In a separate incident, another 27-year-old man, identified by police as a Nigerian national, was arrested after officers allegedly discovered suspected crystal methamphetamine, mandrax tablets and dagga with a combined estimated street value of R45 000.
A third suspect, a 46-year-old Nigerian national, was arrested after police reportedly found 17 sachets of suspected CAT and 11 sachets of suspected crystal methamphetamine in his possession. The drugs were estimated to be worth R4 000.
Sachets of suspected CAT and crystal methamphetamine seized from a 46-year-old suspect during a police operation in Standerton. Photo: SAPS Mpumalanga.
Police Intensify Drug-Related Operations
The six arrested suspects are expected to appear before various magistrates' courts on charges relating to the possession of and dealing in drugs.
Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise commended the officers involved and reaffirmed the police's commitment to combating drug-related crime.
“These arrests should send a clear message that there is no space which can be allowed for drug dealers,” Modise said.
She also called on communities to assist law enforcement by reporting suspected drug-related activities.
Members of the public can report information to their nearest police station, contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or submit information anonymously through the MySAPS app.