By OBAKENG MAJE
Five individuals were arrested for dealing in drugs in Ikageng Township, nearPotchefstroom on 21 March 2024. It is alleged that, Sibongiseni Thuseni (43), Katiso Kubu (29), Mnikazi Bhuhle (43), Sphamandla Ndaba (26) and Ivan Oliver (52), were nabbed during Project Delta One operation that was executed by a multi-disciplinary team comprising of the Provincial Organised Crime, Klerksdorp Tactical Response Team (TRT) as well as National and Provincial Crime Intelligence.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said, the aim of the project that commenced in January 2022, was to address the scourge of dealing in drugs in Ikageng. Mokgwabone further said the police received a tip-off regarding a group of people originally from Bergville in KwaZulu Natal selling drugs in Ikageng.
“As a result, several transactions were conducted with the targets between January 2022 and March 2024. One of the suspects was found with 106 mandrax tablets to the value of R40 000 after the team got a tip-off that he was on his way from Gauteng Province and transporting drugs.
“Subsequent to the arrest, his vehicle was confiscated. As part of the project and during the transactions, drugs such as crystal meth and mandrax with an estimated street value of R100 000 were seized. Preliminary investigation revealed that Kubu has two previous convictions for dealing in drugs,” he said.
Mokgwabone added that all five accused were remanded in custody until 27 March 2024 for formal bail application.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended the police for successful termination of the project and ensuring that alleged drug traffickers are brought to book to face the full might of the law.
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