Unusual load: Couple finds drugs in used washing machine
The couple were among several people who received old or broken goods from a vacant house when it was sold.
POLOKWANE – Moses Malebatse told Review he bought the house, which had been vacant for several months, and wanted to do renovations. In order to do this he first had to get rid of the items and furniture still in the house.
“Among the items left in the house was an old washing machine and I gave it to a young couple I know. They struggle financially and wash their clothes by hand,” he said.
When the couple opened the washing machine to clean it and see if is in working condition or repair it, they found a black plastic bag inside. When they opened the bag they discovered small, wrapped parcels and realised it was drugs.
They reported the matter to the police who opened a preliminary investigation.
Malebatse handed the drugs to the police but now he is getting threatening calls from a man who said he will come to collect for the money he lost.
“The calls are unnerving and I am scared I the man who keeps calling me will hurt me. I reported the matter to the police and now the media to let this man know, whoever he is, his game is up and to stop threatening me,” Malebatse told Review.
Polokwane Police Spokesperson, WO Lesiba Ramishaba, said in a case like this where something is found that is believed to be drugs, the police will open a preliminary investigation during which the substance will be tested and confirmed to be drugs or not.
“The outcome of these tests will determine the type of case to be opened and the police will work accordingly,” Ramoshaba said.
He urged residents who find something they suspect to be drugs to report it to police who will investigate the matter.
Ramoshaba said it is advised to speak to the senior management at the police station to report the finding as they are in a position to give the needed guidance in such a case.
By the time of going to print, the caller’s identity was still undetermined despite attempts to use caller identification. Malebatse, however, said he does not believe it is the man who sold him the house as the caller speaks with an African accent and the seller spoke with an Indian accent.
