Online Reporter
Peter Matika [email protected]
POLICE in Bulawayo have dealt a major blow to drug trafficking networks following the arrest of two suspected drug dealers and the recovery of large quantities of dagga and illicit cough syrup with a combined street value running into thousands of dollars in separate operations conducted by detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Drugs and Narcotics Unit.
The operations, were carried out in Tshabalala and Newton West over the weekend.
Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the arrests.
She said detectives first arrested Annet Sebele (38), of Tshabalala, following a tip-off from members of the public that she was allegedly operating a drug supply business from her home.
“On the 1st of August 2026 at around 1100 hours, Detectives from CID Drugs and Narcotics Bulawayo received information that Annet Sebele was operating a drug supply business at her place of residence,” said Insp Msebele.
She said police proceeded to the house where they arrested Sebele and recovered four cobs of dagga weighing 1,8 kilogrammes, with a street value of ZIG28 000.
The drugs were allegedly concealed in a satchel she was carrying, while detectives also recovered several empty sachets believed to have been intended for packaging the illicit substance for distribution.
During questioning, Sebele allegedly implicated Fortune Tshabalala (42), also of Tshabalala, whom detectives later arrested at a nearby house suspected to have been used as a storage facility for the drugs.
In a separate operation in Newton West, detectives intercepted what is believed to be a larger drug trafficking operation after acting on intelligence received during the early hours of Sunday.
Insp Msebele said detectives received information that dangerous drugs were being stored and distributed from a house in the suburb.
“On the 2nd of August 2026 at around 0400 hours, detectives from CID Drugs and Narcotics Bulawayo received information that there were persons dealing in dangerous drugs at a house in Newton West, Bulawayo,” she said.
Insp Maebele said detectives kept the premises under surveillance before observing suspects arriving in a white Honda Vezel.
However, when officers identified themselves, the suspects allegedly drove into the yard, locked the gate and fled on foot after jumping over the perimeter wall into nearby bushland, evading arrest.
A subsequent search of the property led to the recovery of 36 cobs of dagga weighing approximately 30 kilogrammes, 58 boxes of Broncleer cough syrup containing 50 bottles of 100ml each, and a further 447 loose 100ml bottles of Broncleer.
The recovered drugs have an estimated street value of US$26 429.
Police have since appealed for continued public cooperation in the fight against drug and substance abuse, saying information supplied by residents remains critical in dismantling criminal networks.
“We appreciate members of the public for supplying information which led to the arrest of the accused persons. We also warn those unlawfully dealing in dangerous drugs that the law will take its course without fear or favour,” said Insp Msebele.
