The Middelburg K9 unit has played a central role in a regional crackdown, leading to High Court preservation orders that secured a vehicle and tens of thousands of rands linked to crime.

The court allows the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, to seize assets tied to suspected illegal activity, preventing funds and property from being moved or spent while investigations continue.

Dagga bust leads to car preservation order

Police acted on intelligence regarding two vehicles allegedly loaded with dagga in Klipfontein, eMalahleni.
Upon arriving at the premises on December 5, 2025, police discovered two suspects alongside a silver Kia Cerato.

According to Mpumalanga Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, a search of the vehicle with the suspects’ consent uncovered multiple bags of dagga with an estimated street value of R450 000.

Nkosi said both individuals were arrested on the scene and the drugs were handed over to the police in eMalahleni.

“Although the criminal matter was not initially enrolled in court, the case was referred to the Hawks’ Asset Forfeiture Investigation unit to target the vehicle used in the offence. On August 28, the High Court granted a preservation order for the Kia Cerato,” said Nkosi.

“The Hawks will continue to pursue criminal proceeds and assets linked to unlawful activities. We are working closely with other police disciplines and prosecutorial authorities to ensure that crime does not pay.”

Nkosi added that the vehicle seizure forms part of a broader push by the Mpumalanga Hawks to hit suspected criminals in their pockets.

Barberton herbalist shop raided

In a separate operation on July 16, members of the Nelspruit-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation team executed a search warrant at a herbalist shop in Barberton following reports of illegal mercury trading.

According to Nkosi, during the search, officers recovered mercury alongside R60 200 in cash, which was hidden in various locations on the premises.

The shop owner was arrested after she was unable to give a reasonable explanation regarding the source of the money.

The cash was seized and deposited into the SAPS Finance Office in Nelspruit.

“Following further investigation, the High Court granted a second preservation order on September 16 to freeze the R60 200 while the probe into its origin continues.”