A Durban-based police constable is among three suspects arrested after police allegedly discovered 31 bales of dagga in a vehicle near Babanango on Friday afternoon.

Police act on information

According to police, officers acted on information about a white Toyota Rumion suspected of transporting dagga from Nongoma towards Ulundi along the R34.

Vehicle intercepted on R34

An operation involving police from Babanango, Ulundi, Mahlabathini and the Ulundi K9 Unit was quickly assembled and the vehicle was intercepted along the route.

Police said a search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 31 bales of dagga wrapped in brown tape. The three occupants were arrested on charges related to dealing in dagga.

Police constable identified among suspects

The driver was identified as a police constable attached to the Public Order Police (POP) unit in Durban.

Provincial commissioner responds

Acting KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Phumelele Makoba praised officers for taking action against one of their own members.

She said police officials are expected to uphold the law and warned that criminal conduct within the ranks would not be tolerated.

“For us to effectively fight crime we must first clean ourselves from the inside. We cannot afford to have police officers breaking the very same law which they are supposed to uphold and enforce,” she said.

Internal disciplinary action expected

Makoba confirmed that internal disciplinary action would also be instituted against the officer while the criminal case proceeds.

The suspects are expected to appear in court soon.

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.