John Mathebula (37) appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on July 28 on a charge of dealing in dagga, with an estimated street value of R1.5 million.

According to the Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, members of the SAPS White River K9 Unit acted on intelligence regarding a white Toyota Corolla suspected of being used to transport dagga smuggled across the border by drug mules.

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“The vehicle had been identified as part of an ongoing investigation. At about 18:40 on July 25, informants spotted the vehicle travelling from Barberton towards Mbombela. The team successfully intercepted it near Mataffin. The driver attempted to flee on foot but was swiftly apprehended,” she said.

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Ndubane also said upon searching the vehicle, police discovered 17 bags of dagga, weighing approximately 250kg, with a street value estimated at R1.5 million. The vehicle was confiscated for further investigation.

Mathebula was arrested on the scene and charged with dealing in dagga. He was granted R1 000 bail and is expected to appear in court again on September 29.