Picture: Four suspects nabbed for dealing in drugs
By STAFF REPORTER
7 June 2026 – Four suspects including three Nigerian nationals, are expected to appear before the Schweizer Reneke Magistrate’s Court on 8 June 2026, following two separate drug-related arrests carried out by police this week. According to the information, the first arrest was made on 4 June 2026, after the police received information about suspected drug dealing activities in Schweizer Reneke.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said the police obtained a search warrant and proceeded to an address in Van Wyk Street. Myburgh said, however, the suspects were located at the local taxi rank.
“They were escorted back to the property, while the officers conducted a search. During the operation, police allegedly discovered a variety of drugs such as mandrax, dagga and crystal meth. The police also seized dangerous weapons and metal items, including pieces of copper cable.
“A South African man (29) and a Nigerian national (35) were arrested at the scene. The police said preliminary investigations confirmed that the Nigerian suspect is legally in South Africa. In a separate incident on Saturday evening, 6 June, members conducting Operation Shanela stopped and searched a silver Hyundai in Impala Street,” she said.
Myburgh further said during the search, police allegedly found crystal meth concealed beneath the front passenger seat. Two Nigerian men aged 32 and 38, were immediately arrested. She added that the driver of the vehicle also faces an additional charge of driving under the influence of alcohol.
“The arrests come after ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to curb drug trafficking and related crimes in the Mamusa area,” said Myburgh.
Meanwhile, the latest arrests follow growing community pressure for tougher action against drug dealers. Last week, community members, the Ipelegeng Community Patrollers, the South African Communist Party (SACP) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), gathered outside the Schweizer Reneke Magistrate’s Court in support of anti-drug initiatives when four other suspects appeared on similar charges.
These accused, Sello Lekgetho and Kgotla Ditira, as well as Nigerian nationals, Aloysious Ukokwa and Israel Ugwazi are facing charges relating to the possession of and dealing in drugs. The two Nigerian nationals remain in custody and are awaiting a bail ruling later this month on 23 June 2026.
Lekgetho and Ditira will make another court appearance on Monday and Tuesday.
The Guardian 