Minister Marais welcomes major drug busts and calls for successful prosecutions
Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, has welcomed a series of significant police successes across the province that have dealt a major blow to drug trafficking networks and the proliferation of illegal firearms.
“These operations demonstrate the relentless efforts of our law enforcement agencies to disrupt criminal networks and remove dangerous weapons and drugs from our communities,” said Minister Marais.
In Belladonna Estate, Blue Downs, South African Police Service (SAPS) members acted on information regarding suspicious activity at a premises. Upon searching the property, officers uncovered 25 000 mandrax tablets with an estimated street value of R1,25 million concealed inside the house. A 33-year-old suspect was arrested for dealing in drugs and is expected to appear in the Blue Downs Magistrates’ Court once formally charged.
In a separate operation in Lutzville, police arrested a 47-year-old man after acting on intelligence about drugs being transported. The suspect was apprehended in Koekenaap after attempting to flee. Authorities confiscated 900 mandrax tablets, 13 grams of mandrax powder and two grams of crystal meth, with an estimated street value of R46 130. He is scheduled to appear in the Lutzville Magistrates’ Court on charges of possession of drugs.
Minister Marais also commended members in Atlantis for their swift response following a shooting incident in Robinvale on Sunday morning. While patrolling Dura Flats, SAPS members heard gunshots and pursued suspects who fled the scene. Two firearms were recovered including a 9mm pistol with two cartridges and an unregistered Ekol Viper 4.5 revolver.
In Ravensmead, members of the Anti-Gang Unit made a substantial breakthrough when they uncovered a steel box buried under concrete at a property in Eureka Estate. Inside, members found an assortment of firearms, ammunition and explosives, including a Barretta Z88 9mm pistol, an AR15 upper and lower part, rifle cartridges, magazines, nitrocellulose and a Claymore anti-personnel mine. A 51-year-old male was arrested and is due to appear in the Goodwood Magistrates’ Court on charges related to the possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives.
In another major success, members attached to the Central Karoo Flying Squad and K-9 units intercepted a truck at a vehicle checkpoint on the N1 near Beaufort West. During a search of the trailer, officers discovered 3,362kg of tik, 22 000 mandrax tablets and 131,5kg of higher-grade outdoor dagga, with an estimated street value of R3 328 700. Two foreign nationals, aged 38 and 41, were arrested and are expected to appear in the Beaufort West Magistrates’ Court on charges of dealing in drugs.
Minister Marais emphasised that while these arrests and seizures are significant, securing successful prosecutions and convictions are critical.
“Removing drugs and illegal firearms from our streets is only one part of the fight. It is equally important that we secure convictions to ensure that are responsible for these crimes face the full might of the law. We will continue to monitor these cases closely as they proceed through the justice system,” she said.
Minister Marais also expressed appreciation to members of the public who continue to provide vital information to law enforcement.
“These successes would not be possible without the support of law-abiding citizens who come forward with information. Community involvement remains one of our strongest tools in the fight against crime. I thank residents across the province who are partnering with police to build safer communities.”
The Western Cape Government remains committed to working with all law enforcement partners to combat organised crime, gang violence and the illegal drug trade, and to ensure safer communities for all residents.
Media Enquiries:
Kurt Nefdt
Acting MLO to Minister Anroux Marais
Cell: 084 285 1975
Email: Kurt.Nefdt@westerncape.gov.za