By REGINALD KANYANE
20 November 2024- In an effort to curb trafficking of drugs and proliferation of illegal firearms, a search warrant was obtained and operationalised on 14 November 2024, by the Drug Task Team, BIU Security Company and Provincial Organised Crime Unit.
This comes after the intelligence identified a small holding in Vykhoek, in Potchefstroom.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Amanda Funani said during the search, the police allegedly found two rifles (one self-made), ammunition and three self-made explosive devices (two hand grenades and one small pipe bomb). Funani said furthermore, police discovered a hydroponic dagga lab, with dagga and dagga plants with an estimated street value of R10 million.
“Michael Cilliers (29) was arrested and appeared before the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on 19 November 2024, for unlawful possession of a firearm and explosives, as well as cultivating and dealing in dagga.
“He was remanded in custody until 4 December 2024,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the police for this success. Kwena said this will send out a strong message that crime does not pay.
“The police will continue to work hard to ensure successful prosecution. Crime can be reported on the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the MySAPS application anonymously.
“Extortion-related incidents can be reported on the Extortion hotline on 080 091 1011,” he said.
The Guardian 