Tanzanian man and Burundian man arrested in R54.3m drug bust
Two foreign nationals are facing drug trafficking charges following a major intelligence-led operation in Goodwood that resulted in the seizure of narcotics worth R54.3 million on Sunday afternoon.
Members of Operation Restore executed a search warrant at a residence on Molteno Street at approximately 13:45 on Sunday,13 July 2025, leading to the discovery of substantial quantities of heroin and crystal methamphetamine, also known as Tik, hidden throughout the property.
Initial drug discovery leads to arrests
The operation began when officers searched the premises and made their first significant find in a bedroom cupboard.
'During the search, the members discovered and seized 6kg of heroin, which was found in a cupboard in one of the rooms,' said Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie.
Pojie said the occupant of the room, a 32-year-old Tanzanian national, was immediately arrested and charged with dealing in heroin.
The seized drugs carried an estimated street value of almost R1 million.
Officers then expanded their search to another bedroom, where they uncovered an additional 100 grams of heroin valued at approximately R16 000.
'The member extended the search to another bedroom where they found 100 grams of heroin with an estimated value of about R16 000.00, which led to the arrest of a 28-year-old Burundi national for the possession of drugs,' said Pojie.
ALSO READ: Hawks officials accused of theft at Dragon City released on R3 000 bail
Major drugs found in the roof
The investigation took a dramatic turn when members received additional intelligence while processing the suspects.
'The members expanded the search, leading to the discovery of 145kg of Tik and 16kg of heroin found in the roof of the residence,' Pojie stated.
This substantial cache significantly increased the total value of the seizure.
'The estimated street value is R53,3 million, bringing the total value of the discovery to R54.3million,' Pojie stated.
ALSO READ: Here is how long you could spend in jail for drug trafficking in SA
Court appearance and investigation
Both suspects are scheduled to appear in the Goodwood Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, 15 July 2025, to face their respective charges.
The investigation is being conducted by the Narcotics Section, which operates within the provincial Organised Crime Unit detectives, Pojie confirmed.
'Investigation in this matter is conducted by Narcotics Section located within the provincial Organised Crime Unit detectives.'
The success of the operation drew praise from senior police leadership.
Western Cape provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile commended the members for their dedication in efforts to rid the Western Cape streets of the scourge of drug abuse and trafficking.
READ NEXT: Five arrested in Jeffrey's Bay for possession of abalone worth R250 000
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
6 hours ago
- The South African
Cyril Ramaphosa replaces Senzo Mchunu with new Minister of Police
Professor Firoz Cachalia has been sworn in as the new Minister of Police during ceremony held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Friday. 'In terms of the powers vested in me by Section 91(3)(c) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996, I have decided to appoint the following person as Minister for the portfolio indicated in the signed President's Act. The said Minister-Designate, who is about to become Minister, is Professor Firoz Cachalia… (sic),' said President Cyril Ramaphosa during the ceremony. The swearing in follows President Ramaphosa's announcement last month that he had placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on a leave of absence with immediate effect. The affirmation was administered by Acting Judge President, Aubrey Ledwaba, following Cachalia's appointment by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The President further announced the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry, led by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, into allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Mkhwanazi had raised concerns about an alleged criminal syndicate that has infiltrated law enforcement and intelligence structures. He also accused Mchunu of colluding with criminal elements to disband the Political Killings Task Team based in KwaZulu-Natal. Director-General in The Presidency, Phindile Baleni, who spoke at the swearing-in, congratulated the newly appointed Minister. 'Minister, we congratulate you on your appointment and wish you much success in your duties and endeavours to make South Africa and the world a better place for all,' Baleni said. Addressing members of the media after the ceremony, President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged the concerns regarding the seeming duplication in the police ministry. 'I know there is a technicality about seeming to have two Ministers in the same portfolio, and that is a matter I do believe is going to be resolved within a short space of time. 'I directed the commission [of inquiry] to complete its work as quickly as possible, so whatever confusion there might be is going to be of a short duration. I expect a report from the commission within three months and if they have to ask for an extension, we will give consideration to that. 'I do want this matter to be resolved as quickly as possible but at the same time, we have had to provide leadership to the police service. We can't leave a vacuum. Whilst all of this is happening, Minister Mchunu is on leave while this matter is being resolved, and he is preparing himself, as I hear, to appear before the commission,' the President said. Speaking to the media about his new role, Cachalia said he had not yet had an opportunity to meet with the President but had been informed that the first Cabinet meeting would take place on Wednesday, and he assumed the President would engage with him in due course. Cachalia assured the public that he is fully aware of the responsibility that comes with the role and is committed to prioritising their safety and security. 'I don't think there are any specific fears going into this portfolio. I understand the moment the country is in and the weight of the responsibility that I have, together with the others in government. I want to assure the public that their safety and security is uppermost in my mind. That's what I am going to focus on, and I hope that I will be able to take the country forward,' he said. Responding to a question on whether he supports the work of the Political Killings Task Team, Cachalia said he would comment after meeting with National Commissioner Fannie Masemola on Thursday next week. 'I don't think it will be appropriate for me to comment on that without having the benefit of a discussion with him,' he said. Cachalia also touched on his dual role as chairperson of the National Anti-Corruption Council, whose term ends at the end of the month. 'I do think that my appointment as a Minister of this portfolio, while I am still the chairperson of the National Anti-Corruption Council – the term of which expires at the end of this month… I am now in a better position than I was as chairperson to take the recommendations of the Council forward, and I will certainly be doing so.' Cachalia said he would ask the National Commissioner, during their upcoming meeting, to arrange a session between the Anti-Corruption Council and the police management team to discuss the Council's recommendations, adding that it is his intention to work closely with the Minister of Justice, as the recommendations impact both their portfolios. 'We will together be in a much better position going forward to take those recommendations forward. The recommendations that the Council has made are the ones I am committed to fully implementing,' Cachalia said. On when he will travel to KwaZulu-Natal to meet with General Mkhwanazi, Cachalia said the visit will depend on his discussion with the National Commissioner. 'As the national Minister, I have to visit all the provinces – in what sequence and with what priorities in mind, that still has to be determined. So, I will answer that question in the coming days,' he said. Minister Cachalia vowed to work hard and remain focused on his responsibilities despite the challenges surrounding his appointment. 'I will work hard. I am not distracted by the noise, and I am not driven by political ambition. I have been given a task. I am going to tackle the task without fear or favour, subject of course to the President's guidance and direction as a member of the Cabinet,' the Minister said. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
13 hours ago
- IOL News
Cachalia's Vision for South Africa's Police: Insights from the Acting Minister
Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia. Image: Picture: Bongiwe Mchunu/African News Agency (ANA) With all eyes on newly appointed Acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia, crime experts and analysts are cautiously optimistic about what his appointment could mean for policing reform and national security in South Africa. Cachalia was sworn into office on 1 August following the bombshell allegations by KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner, Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, that a powerful criminal syndicate had infiltrated the country's law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and even the judiciary. Mkhwanazi accused police minister Senzo Mchunu of interfering in sensitive investigations and colluding with a murder-accused businessman to disband a task team probing political killings in KwaZulu-Natal. In a televised address to the nation, President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on a leave of absence, announced a commission of inquiry into the allegations, and appointed 66-year-old Cachalia as the acting minister. In an exclusive interview with the Weekend Argus, Cachalia opened up about the surprise appointment, his sense of responsibility, and how he plans to approach the portfolio in the coming weeks. 'When I saw the calls on my phone, I realised it was someone from the Presidency. I wondered why he'd be calling me, it's not every day the President looks for you. I thought it might be about the National Anti-Corruption Council,' said Cachalia. 'Very shortly after, I received a few calls from President Ramaphosa himself. I didn't have much time to think about it, but I immediately said yes. He said, 'Listen, I'm going to be appointing you.'' Standing next to his wife at the time, Cachalia recalls exchanging a few brief words with her about how unexpected it was. 'We didn't verbalise much, but to be honest, I was taken aback, it was completely out of the blue. There was no indication. It's not something that could have even entered my own mind.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ He had been preparing for life after his term at Wits University, which concluded at the end of July. 'I had discussions about what I would do next. I was beginning to think about life beyond Wits. I've always remained politically active in some form, but I wasn't pursuing office. I think that's part of what made this offer meaningful, it was rooted in a shared concern for the safety of the country.' 'It was fortuitous. I don't think the President even knew my term was ending at the University,' he added. Reflecting on his journey, Cachalia said: 'I've spent my whole life concerned about the country's political situation. When the President asked me to do this, I recognised the tremendous responsibility and I am braced for it." 'In an interesting sort of way, I've never really put myself forward. Even when I entered the Gauteng legislature, I was overseas and someone asked me if I could be placed on the list. I didn't campaign, lobby, or request it, I just said yes.' 'Many of my life's activities were shaped by the struggle and the question of how we rebuild the country. So when opportunities like this come my way, I tackle them wholeheartedly." Cachalia said being asked to serve in Cabinet is a 'tremendous honour,' but he doesn't view it as a personal accolade. 'Some have congratulated me personally, but I don't see it like that. It's not a personal milestone I view it as a task, a responsibility I need to fulfil.' On his immediate priorities as Acting Minister, Cachalia said: 'All ministers have a private office, and the ministerial handbook outlines the positions within that office. I will choose a small team of people who share the same vision. This includes a head of communication, advisors, a spokesperson, and chief of staff. Together, we'll engage with Cabinet, the public, and department staff. I'll need to work out what the key priorities are.' 'I'm not starting afresh. I'll assess what changes are necessary, but that can only happen after proper engagements and understanding of the department's objectives.' On senior appointments, Cachalia was unequivocal: 'Decisions on senior positions like the National Commissioner are not for the Minister to make. It's a delicate matter and one I will respect.' 'That said, I'll be looking closely at SAPS structures to see what is needed. I have a particular interest in detective services, because I believe fighting organised crime and corruption hinges on competent, highly-trained detectives." He also flagged procurement as an area that requires urgent attention: 'The procurement process can easily become corrupted. I'll be looking at ways to ensure better value for money and identify where savings can be made.' Service delivery at police station level, Cachalia said, will be a focus. 'I'm very committed to ensuring we have effective, competent, and professional police services that deliver safety and security. That depends on how efficient the department is.' He acknowledged that public trust in SAPS is at a low point: 'Restoring a proper relationship between the public and police has to be a priority. Accountability at all levels must improve. How do we change that? That's an important question I'll be tackling.' Cachalia said he plans to visit provinces to hear directly from officials and affected communities. 'When I visit a province, I want to meet with the MEC and the Provincial Commissioner. I want to hear directly from them what the issues are, particularly around gang violence.' On the nature of his appointment, he added: 'The President had to make a decision based on the situation at hand. He has the discretion to appoint and remove ministers. That applies to all of us so I'm not making any assumptions.' 'I will carry out this responsibility as Minister of Police for as long as the President deems it appropriate. If he decides otherwise, I will leave with a grateful heart. But if I'm allowed to continue until the end of this government's term, I will do so with full commitment.' Calvin Rafadi, a crime expert and University of Johannesburg research associate, welcomed the appointment of Professor Cachalia to a key acting ministry role focusing on crime and policy reform. He praised Cachalia's strategic thinking and moral leadership but warned that legal challenges from opposition parties could delay progress. Rafadi urged Cachalia to form a capable advisory team and called for a State of Emergency to address escalating violent crime, including the use of military-grade weapons by organised syndicates. Rafadi also pushed for stronger deployment of the SANDF and advanced policing tactics to restore order, stressing the need to eliminate nepotism in the Hawks and restore public trust in government. Chad Thomas, a forensic investigator, supported Cachalia's appointment, citing his legal and policy background as well-suited for the role. He noted that reform would face internal resistance from corrupt SAPS officials but said suspending and prosecuting them would signal serious intent. Thomas advocated for a blended leadership approach and said while structural change before the 2026 local elections may be difficult, Cachalia's role should be seen as a step toward lasting transformation within SAPS. Weekend Argus
IOL News
13 hours ago
- IOL News
Exclusive interview: Prof Firoz Cachalia on his priorities for the police
Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia. Image: Picture: Bongiwe Mchunu/African News Agency (ANA) With all eyes on newly appointed Acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia, crime experts and analysts are cautiously optimistic about what his appointment could mean for policing reform and national security in South Africa. Cachalia was sworn into office on 1 August following the bombshell allegations by KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner, Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, that a powerful criminal syndicate had infiltrated the country's law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and even the judiciary. Mkhwanazi accused police minister Senzo Mchunu of interfering in sensitive investigations and colluding with a murder-accused businessman to disband a task team probing political killings in KwaZulu-Natal. In a televised address to the nation, President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on a leave of absence, announced a commission of inquiry into the allegations, and appointed 66-year-old Cachalia as the acting minister. In an exclusive interview with the Weekend Argus, Cachalia opened up about the surprise appointment, his sense of responsibility, and how he plans to approach the portfolio in the coming weeks. 'When I saw the calls on my phone, I realised it was someone from the Presidency. I wondered why he'd be calling me, it's not every day the President looks for you. I thought it might be about the National Anti-Corruption Council,' said Cachalia. 'Very shortly after, I received a few calls from President Ramaphosa himself. I didn't have much time to think about it, but I immediately said yes. He said, 'Listen, I'm going to be appointing you.'' Standing next to his wife at the time, Cachalia recalls exchanging a few brief words with her about how unexpected it was. 'We didn't verbalise much, but to be honest, I was taken aback, it was completely out of the blue. There was no indication. It's not something that could have even entered my own mind.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ He had been preparing for life after his term at Wits University, which concluded at the end of July. 'I had discussions about what I would do next. I was beginning to think about life beyond Wits. I've always remained politically active in some form, but I wasn't pursuing office. I think that's part of what made this offer meaningful, it was rooted in a shared concern for the safety of the country.' 'It was fortuitous. I don't think the President even knew my term was ending at the University,' he added. Reflecting on his journey, Cachalia said: 'I've spent my whole life concerned about the country's political situation. When the President asked me to do this, I recognised the tremendous responsibility and I am braced for it." 'In an interesting sort of way, I've never really put myself forward. Even when I entered the Gauteng legislature, I was overseas and someone asked me if I could be placed on the list. I didn't campaign, lobby, or request it, I just said yes.' 'Many of my life's activities were shaped by the struggle and the question of how we rebuild the country. So when opportunities like this come my way, I tackle them wholeheartedly." Cachalia said being asked to serve in Cabinet is a 'tremendous honour,' but he doesn't view it as a personal accolade. 'Some have congratulated me personally, but I don't see it like that. It's not a personal milestone I view it as a task, a responsibility I need to fulfil.' On his immediate priorities as Acting Minister, Cachalia said: 'All ministers have a private office, and the ministerial handbook outlines the positions within that office. I will choose a small team of people who share the same vision. This includes a head of communication, advisors, a spokesperson, and chief of staff. Together, we'll engage with Cabinet, the public, and department staff. I'll need to work out what the key priorities are.' 'I'm not starting afresh. I'll assess what changes are necessary, but that can only happen after proper engagements and understanding of the department's objectives.' On senior appointments, Cachalia was unequivocal: 'Decisions on senior positions like the National Commissioner are not for the Minister to make. It's a delicate matter and one I will respect.' 'That said, I'll be looking closely at SAPS structures to see what is needed. I have a particular interest in detective services, because I believe fighting organised crime and corruption hinges on competent, highly-trained detectives." He also flagged procurement as an area that requires urgent attention: 'The procurement process can easily become corrupted. I'll be looking at ways to ensure better value for money and identify where savings can be made.' Service delivery at police station level, Cachalia said, will be a focus. 'I'm very committed to ensuring we have effective, competent, and professional police services that deliver safety and security. That depends on how efficient the department is.' He acknowledged that public trust in SAPS is at a low point: 'Restoring a proper relationship between the public and police has to be a priority. Accountability at all levels must improve. How do we change that? That's an important question I'll be tackling.' Cachalia said he plans to visit provinces to hear directly from officials and affected communities. 'When I visit a province, I want to meet with the MEC and the Provincial Commissioner. I want to hear directly from them what the issues are, particularly around gang violence.' On the nature of his appointment, he added: 'The President had to make a decision based on the situation at hand. He has the discretion to appoint and remove ministers. That applies to all of us so I'm not making any assumptions.' 'I will carry out this responsibility as Minister of Police for as long as the President deems it appropriate. If he decides otherwise, I will leave with a grateful heart. But if I'm allowed to continue until the end of this government's term, I will do so with full commitment.' Calvin Rafadi, a crime expert and University of Johannesburg research associate, welcomed the appointment of Professor Cachalia to a key acting ministry role focusing on crime and policy reform. He praised Cachalia's strategic thinking and moral leadership but warned that legal challenges from opposition parties could delay progress. Rafadi urged Cachalia to form a capable advisory team and called for a State of Emergency to address escalating violent crime, including the use of military-grade weapons by organised syndicates. Rafadi also pushed for stronger deployment of the SANDF and advanced policing tactics to restore order, stressing the need to eliminate nepotism in the Hawks and restore public trust in government. Chad Thomas, a forensic investigator, supported Cachalia's appointment, citing his legal and policy background as well-suited for the role. He noted that reform would face internal resistance from corrupt SAPS officials but said suspending and prosecuting them would signal serious intent. Thomas advocated for a blended leadership approach and said while structural change before the 2026 local elections may be difficult, Cachalia's role should be seen as a step toward lasting transformation within SAPS. Weekend Argus
