A suspected dangerous drug dealer, Jabulani Malinga (33) of Elukwatini near Badplaas, was released by the Eerstehoek Magistrate’s Court on R750 bail last Wednesday.
“Malinga was granted bail to allow the state to send the substances for forensic verification,” said
Sgt Peace Mbokane, spokesman for Elukwatini Police Station.
The local police apprehended the suspect last Monday and has been charged for dealing in a dependence-producing drug.
Mbokane said his arrest came after the police had received a tip-off about a blue VW Golf that was en route to Elukwatini from Badplaas, conveying the alleged drugs.
“Const Mandla Zwane, who is a sector manager for Sector 4, and Const Banele Ndzimande were assigned to the case.
After a long waiting period, the Golf fitting the description surfaced and they followed it. They signalled to the motorist to pull over and he obeyed. After the driver, who was the only occupant, got out, the officers began to search the vehicle,” said Mbokane.
At first they found only two sealed boxes of oats and did not suspect anything as they were sealed.
“However, when the officers couldn’t find anything more than that, they opened the boxes.
Not only did the boxes have traces of the nutritional meal, but four plastic bags filled with the suspected drug nyope,” added Mbokane.
The suspected drugs were found to be 0,348 kilograms with an estimated street value of R47 000.
Station commander, Col Precious Mabuza, appreciated the efforts of the arresting officers. “I am well please by the officials’ victory. It is plain to see that one cannot clean the river unless one removes the hogs from it.
This arrest will work to our advantage to dissuade other dealers in the area,” she said.
Malinga will reappear in the Eerstehoek Magistrate’s Court on July 12.
