Three men caught with 117kg dagga in Ekulindeni
Police intercept three men in Ekulindeni with 117kg of dagga worth R700 000
CAROLINA – Three men were remanded in custody after appearing in the Chief Albert Luthuli Magistrate’s Court on June 14.
They face charges of dealing in dagga, with two of the suspects also charged with contravening the Immigration Act.
The accused are Nowa Mkhonto (39) and Phinda Mnisi (30), both from the Kingdom of eSwatini, and Mxolisi Mavimbela (36), a South African citizen.
The trio were arrested in the early hours of June 14 in Ekulindeni.
According to the provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, officers on duty received a tip-off about three men allegedly carrying bags filled with dagga.
“They responded to the given location and, upon arrival, found the suspects in possession of six bags containing dagga,” said Ndubane.
The bags had a combined weight of 117.13kg and an estimated street value of R700 000.
Mkhonto and Mnisi face an additional charge for allegedly failing to produce valid documentation to be in South Africa.
Police said further investigation revealed the suspects had been waiting for transport to load the bags, which were reportedly destined for Limpopo, when they were apprehended.
All three remain in custody and are expected to reappear in court on August 13.
The acting provincial police commissioner, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the arrests and commended the officers for their swift response in the ongoing fight against crime.
