POLOKWANE – A 35-year-old foreign national has been arrested for possession and dealing in drugs after a dramatic chase at Savannah Mall yesterday (December 9).

The Limpopo police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba said members of the Public Order Policing Unit acted on a tip-off about individuals allegedly selling drugs around the mall.

When officers arrived, they spotted a suspect matching the description provided.

“The suspect was carrying a plastic bag believed to contain drugs. When he realised police were closing in, he fled toward his vehicle, a white Ford Fiesta with Gauteng registration plates. In his attempt to escape, he crashed into a delivery bakkie belonging to one of the mall’s stores before abandoning the vehicle and fleeing on foot,” Ledwaba’s statement read.

The suspect was arrested and a follow-up search at his residence in Taurus Avenue, Sterpark, uncovered more drugs, including packets of nyaope.

“Officers also seized crystal meth and heroin found during the operation,” Ledwaba said.

The suspect will appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court tomorrow (December 11), on charges of possession of and dealing in drugs.

The provincial police commissioner Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe applauded the team for their relentless efforts.

“We remain resolute in our concerted efforts to rid drugs from our communities, ensuring that drug dealers are behind bars for the safety of all people,” she said.