The 35-year-old South African truck driver was arrested on Friday in Northam,Waterberg District while he was transporting dagga worth over R15 million to Zambia.
Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba has confirmed that a major breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking was made by the South African Police Service(SAPS) in Limpopo on 07 February 2025,when a 35-year-old male suspect was arrested in Northam,Waterberg District,for trafficking a substantial quantity of dagga worth over R15 million.The operation,based on intelligence-driven efforts,resulted in the successful interception of a truck transporting the illegal substance.
He revealed that the truck that was reported to be carrying illicit goods was on its way to Zambia when was stopped by police.
"At approximately 21:00,the Northam detectives received critical information about a truck en route to Zambia via R511 Brits road,suspected to be carrying illicit goods.In response,a joint operation was swiftly activated,with the collaboration of Visible Policing,the Community Policing Forum(CPF),and Rural Safety units,who set up surveillance along the junction of the Brits-Northam road.
"The truck,matching the description provided,was stopped for a routine check.A thorough search of the vehicle uncovered a staggering 44 bales of compressed dagga,hidden between bedding,pillows,and mattresses.The total weight of the dagga is estimated at approximately 45 kilograms per bale,with an estimated street value of R8,000 per kilogram,bringing the total value of the confiscated drugs to a staggering R15,840,000,"said Brigadier Mashaba.
He stated that the driver,a South African citizen,was arrested on the spot,and the truck with the dagga was confiscated.
He mentioned that the Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo,Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe commended the meticulous investigation and further highlighted that this operation marks a significant achievement in the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and protect the community from the devastating effects of illicit drugs.
The suspect was charged with dealing in drugs and will appear before the Northam Magistrate's Court on Monday,10 February 2025,he concluded.
SANDF truck overturned and killed two soldiers
The South African Police Service has confirmed that the truck that was carrying 19 South African National Defence Force(SANDF) members was involved in an accident in Northern Cape province.
Lt Col Sergio Kock said the SAPS is investigating a culpable homicide case following an involving a SANDF truck which overturned on the R31 road between Koopmansfontein and Delportshoop.
According to Lt Col Sergio Kock,preliminary information indicates that the accident occurred on Friday afternoon,07 February 2025.The truck was traveling with 19 SANDF members from Lohatla Army base enroute to Kimberley.
He mentioned that two SANDF members died on the scene and also was traveling in a rainy weather conditions when the accident occurred.
"Two SANDF members,a male and female died on the scene and 17 others were injured and transported to hospital for medical treatment.The identities of the deceased not yet known as their next of kin must be informed.
"The SANDF truck was traveling in rainy weather conditions from Lohatla to Kimberley when the accident occurred,"he said.
He concluded that the cause of the accident forms part of the police investigation.