Police find dagga stash worth almost R160 000
Regular stop-and-search operations on the N4 have paid off numerous times for Kaapmuiden's police force. Most recently they found five large bags of compressed dagga hidden in a vehicle.
KAAPMUIDEN – Dagga smugglers were dealt a costly blow when local police found their stash valued at almost R160 000 on Friday morning.
Police officers were conducting their regular stop-and-search duties on the N4 when they indicated to a red Ford EcoSport to pull over.
The driver refused and sped away.
WO Mandla Maphanga and Sgt Goodman Matsebula gave chase.
They managed to catch up to the vehicle and forced the driver to stop.
READ: Suspects appear in court after they were found with bags of dagga
While searching the car they found five bags of compressed dagga with an estimated street value of R159 600.
The suspects were arrested and will appear in Barberton Magistrate’s Court on charges of possession of dagga.
Several people have been apprehended for possession of the illegal substance over the past few months. At the end of April a 45-year-old woman was arrested for possession of dagga for the 12th time in four years. She was found guilty by the court in each instance.
READ: Woman arrested twelve times in four years for dagga possession
In July Kaapmuiden police found dagga weighing 108,5 kilograms valued at R1,8 million in a vehicle that was parked next to the railway.
Last Monday a 49-year-old woman was arrested for possession of dagga worth R1 500.
Dagga is classified as an illegal substance and possession of it could land you a hefty fine or even jail time.
Tonga station commander Brig Velisiwe Mdaka discouraged the use and selling of this drug as police have found it to be a contributing factor to crime.
READ: SAPS uncover large dagga plantation
On Friday two suspects appeared in Nkomazi Magistrate’s Court in Tonga on charges of business robbery and possession of a firearm without a licence.
They allegedly entered a store in Naas on Thursday at around 13:00. They threatened the shopkeeper with a firearm and demanded money. The fled the scene with cash and airtime vouchers.
READ: Four suspects wanted in connection with armed robbery
The victim shouted for help and was assisted by community members, who pursued the suspects.
They managed to catch them and found the firearm in their possession. Police officers were summoned to the scene and the suspects were arrested.
The case was postponed to next Tuesday and the suspects remain in police custody.
Mdaka thanked the community members for the crucial role they played in apprehending the suspects.
