Three police officers aged between 32 and 49 were arrested, after allegedly escorting a vehicle loaded with dagga along the N4 road near the Matsulu T-junction.
According to an official statement from the police, the officers, who were on duty and dressed in full uniform while driving a marked police vehicle, were allegedly providing protection to a Toyota Corolla carrying 107 bags of the illegal substance. The incident came to light when law enforcement officials from Matsulu, acting on reliable intelligence regarding suspicious activities, managed to intercept and apprehend the officers alongside their accomplices.
During the operation, the three officers—attached to the Whiteriver Flying Squad—were charged with corrupt activities related to their involvement in the escort of the trafficking vehicle and for their actions defeating the ends of justice. As the investigation unfolds, authorities have indicated that further charges may be filed, underscoring the seriousness of the alleged offences.
In addition to the police officers, two other suspects—a male aged 44 and a female aged 34—who were found in the Corolla, were also apprehended. They are expected to face charges for dealing in dagga, with the possibility of additional charges as investigations continue. The estimated street value of the seized dagga reaches millions of rands, raising concerns about the ongoing drug trafficking issues that plague the nation.
The arrested officers and their accomplices are scheduled to appear before the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 12 June 2025.