By BAKANG MOKOTO
9 December 2025- The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West on Tuesday applauded the arrest of six suspects after the discovery of drugs worth millions at a clandestine drug laboratory in Makapanstad. The civil society led movement promoting the Charter of Positive Values Positive Charter of Values said that the breakthrough has exposed the shift of drug trade operations from urban centers to rural communities, where drug syndicates thought they would not be easily detected.
Convenor of the MRM Interim Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele remarked that the Thulwe village drug laboratory discovered north-west of Maubane was undoubtedly a massive operation that relied on obscurity, while it supplied drugs that are destroying the future and lives of mostly youth to a wider network. Kgwele said while they are encouraged that there still exists capacity within the SAPS to mount such a thorough investigation by dedicated police officers, they can only celebrate the successful arrests when follow-up investigations lead to the arrest of the mastermind/s behind the what is undoubtedly a drug cartel that is supported by sophisticated logistics to move the drugs around.
According to the Hawks Spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale, members of Serious Organised Crime Investigation of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in the Western Cape followed up information relating to a suspect that fled in a different case involving proliferation of drugs when the information led them a small holding in Thulwe.
Kgwele highlighted that drug abuse and illicit trafficking are tearing families apart. He mentioned that every family that has an addict in its household knows the immeasurable pain of watching their loved one going to waste due to drug addiction.
“There is an urgent need for united action and collaboration to establish value driven communities as part of contributing towards reclaiming Ubuntu and addressing moral decay. This effort must be supported by an intensified effort to rid our communities of drugs which are contributing to senseless violent crimes and gender-based violence and femicide,” said Kgwele.
Meanwhile, the Moretele Local Municipality mayor, Masango George Manyike has commended the Makapanstad SAPS together with the Hawks Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation for their swift and coordinated operation that led to the arrest of six suspects and the discovery of millions worth of drugs in Makapanstad. Manyike said the successful operation, conducted by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team alongside Counter-Narcotics and Gangs (Western Cape), uncovered a clandestine mandrax manufacturing laboratory on a small holding in Thulwe, north-west of Maubane.
“We would like to praise the dedication and vigilance displayed by the law enforcement agencies. Their efforts demonstrate a firm stand against criminal activities that threaten the safety and well-being of Moretele communities.
“This breakthrough is a clear message that illegal drug manufacturing and distribution will not be tolerated in our municipality. We are grateful for the swift response and collaboration between the Hawks and our local police. Their work helps protect our youth and communities from the devastating impact of drugs,” he said.
Manyike further said the municipality remains committed to working closely with law enforcement to combat crime and ensure safer neighbourhoods.
The Guardian 