A 35-year-old man was arrested in Thembisa on October 7 for allegedly dealing in dagga and impersonating a soldier.

The arrest was made by EMPD’s Community Liaison Unit (CLU) officers following intelligence that a man was allegedly selling drugs to learners at a well-known secondary school in the area.

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According to the EMPD, the information was received amid concerns about gangsterism and other criminal activities involving learners.

Officers followed up on the information, resulting in the suspect’s arrest.

During the operation, officers recovered dagga with an estimated street value of R680 and R135 in cash, which is believed to be the proceeds of suspected drug dealing.

An army-style shirt was also recovered, resulting in an additional allegation of impersonating a soldier.

In a separate development during the operation, officers found a panga in the possession of a teenage learner who was allegedly involved in selling drugs to other learners.

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The weapon was confiscated and booked into the Thembisa police station as evidence. The learner was subsequently released into the care of a parent by members of the SAPS.

The 35-year-old suspect was detained at Thembisa police station and is expected to appear in the relevant Magistrate’s Court soon.