By BAKANG MOKOTO
30 October 2026 – The Provincial Organised Crime Investigation team and Provincial Crime Intelligence in North West, successful took down an operation conducted under Project Dubula, which resulted in the arrest of five suspects and the seizure of drugs with an estimated street value of more than R350 000. The operation was conducted in the early hours of Wednesday, 28 October 2026, at approximately 6am, following an investigation initiated in August 2024 into four identified targets suspected of involvement in drug dealing.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said during the operation, the police executed four warrants of arrest and four search-and-seizure warrants against the identified targets. Skalkie said the operation resulted in the arrest and detention of five suspects, including an additional suspect identified during the investigation in Khuma Township, near Stilfontein and Klerksdorp.
“The suspects aged between 21 and 45, are facing various drug-related charges, including dealing in drugs and possession of drugs. The operation yielded significant results with drugs including crystal methamphetamine, Mandrax and kat recovered or linked to the cases under investigation. One of the suspects, Ifegdu Chinedu (35), also known as “Mike”, was arrested in connection with three drug-related cases registered in Klerksdorp.
“Furthermore, he also violated parole conditions as he was found guilty and convicted twice in the past for drug-related charges. He was remanded in custody after his appearance before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 29 October 2026,” she said.
Skalkie further said the case was postponed until 12 November 2026. She added that the drugs involved in these three cases have an estimated value of R47 500 and a street value of R250 000.
“The remaining suspects were arrested in connection with cases registered in Khuma. The investigation also led to the identification and arrest of an additional suspect for alleged possession of drugs. The four other suspects appeared before the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on 29 October 2026.
“The accused, Papikio Piet Mofokeng (45), who also has three pending cases against him, was remanded in custody until 13 November 2026, for a formal bail application. Mamosese Anna Hlahane (35) was granted bail of R2000 and her case was remanded to 13 November 2026,” said Skalkie.
She said Mohau Moyikwa (21) was granted bail of R1000 and the next court appearance will be on 16 November 2026. Skalkie said Gerrie Petrus Moyikwa (45) was remanded in custody until 13 November 2026.
“As part of the ongoing investigation, the police are pursuing further operational measures, including the seizure of two vehicles belonging to the accused persons. Three properties linked to the accused persons have also been identified as part of the investigation,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, applauded the police involved in the operation, emphasising that the SAPS remains committed to dismantling drug-dealing networks and disrupting the supply of illegal substances in communities across the province. Adams said drug dealing fuels other forms of crime, undermines the safety of the communities and exposes young people to the devastating consequences of substance abuse.
“The success of Project Dubula demonstrates our determination to identify, investigate and bring those suspected of participating in these criminal activities before the courts. We further urge community members to continue working with the police by providing information about suspected drug dealing activities.
“Such information can be shared with the police or anonymously through the SAPS Crime Stop line on 08600 10111 or the MySAPS App,” he said.
