Hawks seize firearms and dagga plantation outside Mbombela
A senior citizen and a 32-year-old woman face serious charges under the Firearms Control Act following a multidisciplinary raid in Mpumalanga.
A 71-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman have been arrested after the Hawks uncovered a dagga plantation, processed dagga extract, firearms and ammunition at a farm outside Mbombela on Wednesday, October 7.
Multidisciplinary operation
According to the Hawks, the operation followed intelligence that dagga was allegedly being cultivated and processed in the area.
Members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit, White River K9, the National Intervention Unit, the Tactical Response Team and the Local Criminal Record Centre searched the identified premises during the operation.
They reportedly found an established dagga plantation and processed dagga extract, as well as two rifles, two handguns and a large quantity of live ammunition.
The Hawks said preliminary information indicated that the firearm licences had expired.
Suspects to appear in court
The two suspects face charges relating to the Firearms Control Act and the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act, including the cultivation and possession of dagga.
They are expected to appear in the Nelspruit District Court on Thursday, October 8.
The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be added.
