Takedown operation leads to apprehension of suspected drug peddlers in Mahikeng

POTCHEFSTROOM – A multi-disciplinary takedown operation by the Provincial Organised Crime, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), Crime Intelligence, Tracking Team, Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) and K9 resulted in the arrest of 15 suspects in and around Mahikeng.

Consequent to the Ministerial Crime Prevention Imbizo held in April this year wherein members of the community complained about drug peddling activities in Mahikeng, a team was established under “Project Tlotla Molao D”. The team members worked tirelessly and eventually identified the targets. Warrants were then secured and executed on Monday, 26 and Tuesday, 27 September 2022. As a result, suspected drug dealers were nabbed in various locations in the policing precincts of Mmabatho and Mahikeng.

During the arrests, drugs such as nyaope, dagga and crystal meth, all with estimated street value of R18 700-00 were seized. Furthermore, two Volkswagen Polo vehicles and cash amounting to R9 220-00 were also confiscated. The items will be subjected to Asset Forfeiture Unit investigations.

The suspects, aged between 25 and 35 are expected to appear before the Molopo Magistrates’ Court in Mmabatho today and tomorrow.

The arrests bring the number of suspects nabbed to 17 since establishment of the project team and they (suspects) include Heinrich Myburgh who is a police officer in Mahikeng. He was arrested in April 2022 and is expected to reappear in court on Thursday, 29 September 2022, on charges of defeating the course of justice and assault common. The second suspect was arrested in Delareyville in August 2022, for dealing in drugs.

The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena commended the team members for their diligence in ensuring that drug peddlers are apprehended in an endeavour to rid Greater Mahikeng of drugs in line with the commitment made by Police Minister, General Bheki Cele during the Imbizo held in April. He pointed out that more will still be done as this is the first project to be terminated since the joint conference and training by the South African Police Service, National Prosecuting Authority and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in August 2022.

Source: South African Police Service