POLOKWANE – A 42-year-old Nigerian man, Anthony Chukwudi Okafor appeared before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday on a charge of dealing in drugs.

Okafor was arrested during what seemed to be a hijacking in the Polokwane CBD that was caught on video.

The video circulated on social media, shocking residents in the process.

The provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe said the police wanted to provide clarification regarding the events depicted as it raised concerns within the community.

“Upon thorough investigation, it has been confirmed that the person involved in the video was not engaged in a hijacking incident, but was apprehended by law enforcement authorities for alleged involvement in drug-related activities. The incident occurred on Tuesday (May 7) when the suspect was intercepted in the CBD,” she said.

According to police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the police confiscated a substantial amount of CAT, cocaine and crystal meth drugs with the combined value of almost R17 000.

Read more: Foreign national caught in Polokwane with drugs worth R17k

Okafor appeared on a charge of dealing in drugs and was remanded in custody until Wednesday, May 15 for formal bail application and further police investigation.

“Our officers remain committed in ensuring the safety and security of all members of our community,” said Hadebe.

She urged the public to refrain from “spreading wrong vibes” and pleads with them to trust the ongoing efforts of law enforcement in upholding justice and maintaining order.