NELSPRUIT – The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela is very grateful to the excellent work done by members of the Border Policing after arresting three suspects, aged between 57 and 61 as they crossed through the fence from the Kingdom of Eswatini into South Africa, near the Oshoek Border on Saturday, 23 April 2022.

According to the report, the three suspects, two males and one female were driving in a white Toyota single cab bakkie where they allegedly entered South Africa through the fence other than the Port of Entry. The said members that were patrolling in the area then spotted them and ordered the driver to stop. Upon searching the bakkie, the astute members discovered about three refuse bags starched with dagga weighing at around 22,442 kg’s and to the estimated value of about R94 256-00.

The suspects were then arrested and charged for dealing in dagga and preliminary investigation suggests that the suspects were allegedly trafficking the dagga from the Kingdom of Eswatini into South Africa when their mission was intercepted by the police. The said bakkie was also confiscated as police believe that it was used in the commission of crime.

They are expected to appear at the Elukwatini Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 25 April 2022 facing the said charges.

Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has once again emphasised her confidence on the members that have been posted to guard the borders of the country. “We believe in these members as they have the skills and ability to deliver successes as it has been proven with the recent arrests that they made which proves that the borders are safe and are in capable hands. We therefore encourage them to continue with the good work they are doing for the safety of the country” said the General.

Source: South African Police Service