Eight Emaswati arrested in three operations over four days
Mbabane- South African police have seized 597.85 kilogrammes of dagga worth approximately E3.05 million in three separate operations involving eight Emaswati nationals in Mpumalanga between October 20 and 23, 2026.
The operations resulted in the recovery of large quantities of dagga in three incidents near Oshoek, Commondale and Carolina. An unlicensed 9mm pistol and ammunition were also reportedly recovered during the operation near Oshoek.
The largest quantity, 272.65 kilogrammes of dagga valued at E1.1 million, was reportedly seized near the Oshoek Port of Entry on October 20, when two Emaswati men aged 26 and 38 were arrested.
On October 23, South African police arrested five Emaswati nationals aged between 22 and 30 during stop-and-search operations on the N2 near the Commondale turn-off.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), officers stopped a white Isuzu double-cab bakkie at approximately 21:40 and discovered 33 rolls of dagga weighing about 125.2 kilogrammes, with an estimated street value of R750,000.
The dagga and vehicle were seized for further investigation.
On October 22, police in Carolina arrested another Eswatini national after recovering approximately 200 kilogrammes of dagga valued at R1.2 million from a grey Volkswagen Golf TSI.
SAPS reported that officers were conducting patrols along Voortrekker Street at approximately 05:20 when they spotted the vehicle, which had tinted windows.
When police attempted to stop it, the driver allegedly fled towards Wonderfontein Road, prompting a pursuit that ended near the Belfast turn-off.
Officers intercepted and searched the vehicle, discovering the dagga concealed inside. The suspect was arrested and charged with dealing in dagga, while the vehicle and drugs were seized for further investigation.
Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise commended officers for their vigilance and swift response in the Mahamba and Carolina operations.
“We will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations and patrols to disrupt the illegal dagga trade. The seizure of this dagga is a clear indication of our commitment to ensuring that drugs are removed from our communities,” Modise said.
According to SAPS, the suspects in the Mahamba and Carolina cases are expected to appear before the Piet Retief and Carolina Magistrates’ Courts, respectively, in due course.
The three reported operations involved a combined 597.85 kilogrammes of dagga with an estimated value of R3.05 million.
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