Five arrested in Westenburg drug bust
A local source informed Polokwane Observer that three of the individuals arrested were known drug dealers who had reportedly even been feared by some in law enforcement.
POLOKWANE –Â Five residents of Winter Street in Westenburg were arrested on Friday night during a drug bust conducted by local police.
The operation, which took place from 19:30 to 01:00, saw half the street cordoned off and surrounded by an armed police presence as several homes were raided
Police seized a variety of common drugs, including heroin, cocaine and nyaope, although the exact value of the confiscated drugs remains uncertain. Among those arrested was a former police officer from the Seshego police station.
A local source informed Polokwane Observer that three of the individuals arrested were known drug dealers who had reportedly even been feared by some in law enforcement. The five suspects appeared before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Monday and are set to return for indefinite formal bail hearings.
While some residents expressed partial relief over the bust, they voiced frustration that it had taken so long, despite their repeated reports about possible drug dealers in the area. Westenburg has been plagued by high unemployment among youth, some of whom are suspected of drug use.
Fearing retaliation, residents have requested anonymity but called on the police to continue with raids, alleging there are still numerous drug dealers operating in the area.
This raid follows the arrest of a 45-year-old man in Ext 40, also in the Westenburg policing area, on August 31. He was found in possession of five bags of crystal meth and 100 sachets of nyaope and dagga, valued at over R10 000.
