By REGINALD KANYANE
14 August 2026 – A man (41) was arrested for alleged dealing in drugs and contravention of the Immigration Act. This comes after the vigilant actions of a police officer in Kimberley.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the arrest forms part of the South African Police Service’s continued efforts to disrupt the proliferation and distribution of illicit drugs, which fuel other forms of criminality and pose a serious threat to the safety and wellbeing of communities. Litabe said on 12 August 2026, a member attached to Provincial Operational Response Services was conducting policing duties in Warren Street, De Beers in Kimberley when he became suspicious of the activities of two men travelling in a vehicle.
“The police officer approached the vehicle as it was about to drive past and identified himself. With the occupants’ permission, a search of the vehicle was conducted.
“During the search, the police officer allegedly discovered packets containing suspected cocaine and khat, with an estimated street value of R1500, concealed inside the vehicle,” he said.
Litabe said the further search was conducted and allegedly resulted in the discovery of cash suspected to be the proceeds of illicit drug dealing. He added that a suspect was immediately arrested and charged with alleged dealing in drugs.
“He was also charged with contravening the Immigration Act after he allegedly failed to produce valid identification and immigration documentation when requested to do so.
“The vehicle was seized as it was allegedly used in the commission of the offence,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Frances Baard District Police Commissioner, Major General Gabathata Makgari, commended the police for his alertness and vigilance, which resulted in the disruption of the alleged distribution of illicit drugs. Makgari said the proliferation of illicit drugs remains a serious concern, as the availability and distribution of drugs can contribute to substance abuse, violence and other forms of criminality within communities.
“This arrest demonstrates the importance of vigilant policing and proactive interventions aimed at disrupting the drug supply chain.
“The Northern Cape SAPS remains resolute in its commitment to combating the trafficking and dealing in illicit drugs,” she said.
Makgari said the operations, intelligence-driven investigations and targeted interventions will continue to be intensified to identify and dismantle networks involved in the distribution of drugs and to prevent these substances from reaching vulnerable members of our communities.
“The suspect is expected to appear in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court soon,” she said.
The Guardian 