Wakhile Nhleko (26), Mangaliso Sibandze (32), and Sfiso Vilakazi (39) appeared in the Wakkerstroom Periodical Court on August 21.
They were arrested during an operation in Wakkestroom on August 18, for reportedly being found with a large amount of dagga stashed inside bags. The court postponed the case to August 28 for a formal bail application. The three remain in custody.
Police from Wakkerstroom were performing their patrol duties under Operation High Density when they spotted a silver-grey Audi sedan with three occupants.
Provincial spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli said the police members stopped the vehicle and conducted a search.
“The officers discovered four bags, loaded with 31kgs of dagga inside the vehicle, hence they nabbed the three suspects and charged them for dealing in dagga,” said Mdhuli.
The estimated street value of the dagga is R124 000. The investigators are working in collaboration with officials from the Department of Home Affairs after Nhleko and Vilakazi failed to produce valid documentation to be in the country.
The police cannot rule out the possibility of adding a charge of contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa against the two.
The acting provincial commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended members for the job well done and welcomed the arrest of the three suspects.
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