SAPS in the Joe Gqabi District in the Eastern Cape has made a significant breakthrough in the fight against drug-related crime following a drug bust in the town of Maletswai.
On 21 January 2026, members of the Public Order Policing (POP) Unit’s Information Component, working together with their operational team, conducted a targeted operation that led to the arrest of three suspects, aged between 36 and 39, on charges of dealing in and possession of illicit drugs.
During the operation, police searched three unrelated residential properties, where substantial quantities of drugs were discovered and confiscated.
In all the f residence police found 13 small sachets of tik, 78 sachets of tik and 302 mandrax tablets hidden beneath a mattress.
The confiscated drugs, with an estimated street value of R38 777.00, together with a large amount of cash, were seized. All three suspects were arrested at the scene.
The suspects appeared before the Maletswai Magistrate’s Court yesterday, 21 January 2026, where they were granted bail of R500 each.
They are expected to appear again before the same court on 19 March 2026 on charges of dealing in and possession of drugs.
BY LUCKY SEANEGO
