One of the suspects was granted bail while the other remains in custody.

The two shop employees who were arrested after the police found them in possession of cannabis-infused products estimated at R2.3m briefly appeared in the White River Magistrate’s Court today, November 13.

Estelle de Beer (43) was granted R1 000 bail, but Zinhle Mabuza (23) was remanded in custody for the investigating officer to verify his residential address.

The suspects are facing charges of dealing in drugs and the court postponed the matter to November 17 for further police investigations.

They were arrested at a shop at 21 William Street in White River on Wednesday, November 12.

The suspects are said to be employees at the shop that opened on November 1. The whereabouts of the shop owner at the time of the arrests remain unclear.

The whole saga started when learners at a White River school began behaving oddly during exams resulting in the management launching an internal enquiry before calling in the SAPS, who met with the school team.

According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe, learners were found in possession of vape devices containing cannabis, which led to a loss of focus during exams and unusual behaviour. Information was shared with police on Monday, November 10, leading to a formal investigation by the White River SAPS K9 Unit.

“Undercover officers purchased cannabis from the shop, and a raid was conducted, resulting in the arrest of two employees. A large quantity of cannabis-infused products, including sweets, juice, vape juice, dagga, pot plants, lollipops, chocolates, and cola, were seized, with an estimated value of R2.3m,” said Nonyane.

The acting Mpumalanga police commissioner, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, has commended the school for reporting the incident and urged the community to continue working together to create a safe and drug-free environment for children.