The owner of a local pub and grill is sending out a strong message that her establishment won’t tolerate drugs, after a man was arrested last Friday night.

Elize Welmans, owner of Nagskof, a family-friendly pub and grill in Kanonkop, confirmed that she was the one to call the police after a 50-year-old man allegedly tried to sell drugs inside her establishment.

Welmans confirmed that the man was arrested after she noticed his suspicious behaviour on her CCTV system, resulting in her calling a security firm.

Reaction officers arrived at the scene to monitor the situation until the Middelburg SAPS arrived and took the man into custody.

According to Welmans, the man’s Audi TT was also confiscated, and more illicit substances were found within the vehicle.

The man was not formally charged, as it is standard procedure for the police to first send illicit substances to the laboratory for testing, depending on the quantity in possession.

Usually, in drug-related cases, the court issues a summons to the accused once the laboratory results are released.

Welmans expressed her shock and disappointment over the incident, “When I established Nagskof eight years ago, I did it with the idea in mind that it would be a safe environment for all clientele, including women and children.

Our establishment is known as a place of people with heart, and we have always strived to uphold our reputation and the friendships formed with our clientele.

Therefore, I immediately reported the individual, and I wish to send out a strong message that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated. We are a safe and friendly establishment.”

• While the individual’s identity is known to the Middelburg Observer, he cannot be identified until he has been charged and made a formal appearance in court.