By STAFF REPORTER

3 November 2026 – An inmate, Joshua Belden Swarts (41), has appeared before the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court after being arrested for alleged drug dealing at Boksburg Correctional Centre. Swarts was arrested by members of the Northern Cape Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), following intelligence received as part of Project Ditto.

The investigation team visited Boksburg Correctional Centre, where they searched the accused’s prison cell. Two cellphones were allegedly found under his pillow. A subsequent search of his locker led to the discovery of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as Tik, with an estimated street value of R12 000.

The Department of Correctional Services had also conducted an internal search on Swarts a week earlier, during which another cellphone was allegedly found in his possession. This brought the total number of cellphones recovered from him to three.

Swarts is also facing an additional charge of possession of a stolen motor vehicle after a vehicle allegedly found in his possession before his incarceration was identified as stolen during the Project Ditto takedown operation.

He made a brief appearance before the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court, where the matter was postponed to 26 January 2027, for further investigation.

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said they remained committed to tackling organised crime and ensuring that those involved in criminal activities were brought before the courts.

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