The Mpumalanga police recorded significant successes following intelligence-driven operations conducted across the province on June 15.

According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Captain Mpho Mpe-Nonyane, the first operation involved members of the Pienaar Tactical Response Team (TRT), the White River K9 Unit, and Provincial Crime Intelligence who executed a search-and-seizure warrant in the Kamagugu Township near Mbombela. The operation targeted a suspect allegedly involved in drug dealing.

“The team tactically approached and searched the suspect’s residence, where a substantial quantity of drugs, cash, and drug-related paraphernalia were recovered. A 50-year-old man was arrested on charges of dealing in drugs and contravening immigration legislation,” said Mpe-Nonyane.
Items seized during the operation included:

• Crystal methamphetamine and cocaine with an estimated street value of R350 800
• Drug packaging material and weighing scales
• Cash totalling R2 600.
  In a separate operation, Mpumalanga Provincial Detectives, supported by the Pienaar TRT, apprehended two suspects wanted in connection with extortion cases allegedly committed in the Pienaar policing area in March.
  “The first suspect was arrested at his business premises in Lihawu, while the second suspect was tactically apprehended along the main road between Mbebe and Tsela Stores,” she said.
  Both suspects, aged 30, are currently detained at Pienaar SAPS and are expected to appear in court soon. Police investigations are continuing as efforts to locate and arrest a third female suspect, who remains at large, are underway.