Latest news with #SAPSFlyingSquad
TimesLIVE
25-06-2025
- TimesLIVE
Hawks bust man allegedly smuggling heroin to Ghana at OR Tambo
A 48-year-old foreign national has been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport after he was allegedly found in possession of 2kg of suspected heroin hidden in his luggage. The arrest took place on Tuesday, during a multidisciplinary operation conducted by Pretoria-based Serious Organised Crime, SAPS Flying Squad, K9 Dog unit, Transnational Organised Crime and the airport's crime prevention officers. In a statement, the Hawks' serious organised crime investigation) said officers followed up on information about a suspect who would be transporting drugs to Ghana. 'Officers identified the suspect at the airport. Permission to search the luggage was granted. Upon searching, about 2kg of suspected heroin was discovered hidden in the suspects luggage,' reads the statement. The suspect was arrested and is expected to appear in the Kempton Park magistrate's court on Thursday on charges for contravening the Drug and Drug Trafficking Act. The provincial head of the Hawks in Gauteng, Major Gen Ebrahim Kadwa commended the multidisciplinary team in apprehending the suspect and appealed to the public to report drug dealing and trafficking to authorities.
The Citizen
22-06-2025
- The Citizen
Dagga trafficking on the rise in the Lowveld
Over the past six months, the Lowveld has seen a staggering number of dagga trafficking cases reported by the SAPS and local security companies. Locals, immigrants, and even police officers have been implicated, including members of the SAPS Flying Squad, prompting the public to question the integrity of law enforcement. ALSO READ: Three cops among five arrested in drug bust on N4 Three officers – Sergeant Jabulane Mbuyane, Sergeant Solomon Mebo, and Constable Lavandre LaReservee – were arrested on June 10 for allegedly escorting a Toyota Corolla transporting 107 bags of dagga along the N4 near the Matsulu T-junction. They appeared in court on June 12 and were each granted bail of R1 500. Their next appearance is scheduled for July 25. Two additional suspects, Joel Mamba (44) and Monica Zwane (34), are facing separate charges of dealing in dagga. Their bail application was heard on June 18. ALSO READ: UPDATE: Man and woman granted bail for N4 dagga bust Commenting on the arrest of SAPS members, the acting provincial police commissioner, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, stated: 'No one is above the law. If any member is found to be on the wrong side of the law, they will face the consequences – without fear or favour.' On Friday, members of the Tonga Task Team under the Ehlanzeni District Police recovered 24 compressed bags of dagga during a high-speed chase in the Sibange area. The suspect fled on foot into nearby bushes after abandoning a grey VW Polo. ALSO READ: Two men arrested for possession of dagga of more than R4.7m In a separate bust on June 10, two suspects were found transporting 660kg of dagga from eSwatini to Zimbabwe, concealed in 19 compressed bales with a street value of over R3m. This operation was led by ACS Security, in support of the BACSA E2 Mpumalanga Operational team. One eSwatini national was arrested, while the second suspect was later apprehended in Limpopo. On April 14, a Barberton Agri farmer reported suspicious activity on the outskirts of his farm near the Kaapsehoop Road. Responding officers from Hi-Tech Security found no suspects on scene, but recovered 800kg of dagga. Earlier this year, on January 28, during routine patrols, the White River Flying Squad intercepted two suspects in a white Toyota Quantum on the R538 near KMI Airport, discovering 50 compressed bags of dagga weighing approximately 1 020kg. ALSO READ: Two men arrested in Barberton for dealing in dagga On January 14, the police recovered 10 bags of dagga weighing about 270kg during a stop-and-search operation near Sheba Siding, Barberton. Officers had pulled over a white Isuzu bakkie travelling from Low's Creek. Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, spokesperson of the Mpumalanga police, said: 'We are concerned about the increased number of individuals dealing in dagga, particularly within the province. However, with continued efforts such as Operation Shanela 2, we are able to intercept traffickers. Stations where dagga was seized include Tonga, Wakkerstroom, Mayflower, and the Mahamba Border Post. Most of the dagga appears to originate from eSwatini. We are continuing our efforts and aim to dismantle these syndicates.' These are just a few of the many cases currently under investigation. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
The South African
19-06-2025
- The South African
Sleepy Karoo town rocked by major drug bust
A police operation in the Central Karoo has led to a major drug seizure and arrest, following the discovery of a large consignment of khat on a long-distance passenger bus. Members of the SAPS Flying Squad conducted a vehicle checkpoint (VCP) near Prince Albert Road, where they stopped and searched the bus. According to Sergeant Christopher Spie, spokesperson for Southern Cape police, the search revealed 13 boxes containing 2 940 bundles of khat, with an estimated street value of R290 000. Further investigation linked the illegal cargo to a 47-year-old male passenger, who was arrested on the scene. He remains in custody and is expected to appear in court on drug dealing charges. The Western Cape police management has commended the Flying Squad's swift and effective response, reaffirming their commitment to curbing drug trafficking in the region. Khat is a stimulant derived from a flowering plant native to East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Its active ingredient, cathinone, produces effects similar to amphetamines – such as euphoria and heightened alertness – but is associated with serious health risks including heart problems and mental health issues. Although banned in South Africa, khat is still illegally trafficked into parts of the Western Cape. Khat. Image: SAPS Prince Albert is a small town in the Western Cape. It is located on the southern edge of the Great Karoo, at the foot of the Swartberg mountains. In recent years the moniker the ' Franschhoek of the Karoo ' has been used to describe the town's appeal to the art community and wealthier South Africans, many of whom have become residents of the town. 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
05-05-2025
- IOL News
PICS: JMPD recovers Ford Ranger moments after motorist was brutally attacked by hijackers
The white Ford Ranger double cab bakkie was recovered by the JMPD Tracing Unit in collaboration with the SAPS Flying Squad. The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) has recovered a hijacked Ford Ranger double cab bakkie in Alexandra. JMPD spokesperson, Superintendent Xolani Fihla, said on Friday, members of the JMPD Tracing Unit and South African Police Service (SAPS) Flying Squad successfully located and recovered the hijacked white Ford Ranger at Mapule Komape Street and Mary Themba Street in Alexandra. 'The recovery followed a report received by JMPD officers while en route to control traffic along Pretoria Main Road. Officers encountered security personnel at a Sasol garage, where a Fidelity Tactical Team member informed them about a recent hijacking incident,' said Fihla. The victim of the Ford Ranger bakkie had been 'brutally injured' during the hijacking, which occurred in Ebony Park. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. 'JMPD officers promptly contacted emergency medical services for the victim,' said Fihla. 'Simultaneously, JMPD officers circulated the stolen vehicle's details and utilized Vuma Cam (cameras) to trace its last known location. With the valuable assistance of members from the SAPS Flying Squad, the vehicle was successfully located in Alexandra.' The recovered Ford Ranger was seized and taken to the Aeroton vehicle pound for further processing.
