Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
TWO Tanzanian nationals have been arrested at Beitbridge border post after being found with marijuana (mbanje / dagga) worth R1.5 million in a suspected cross-border drug trafficking syndicate that is causing havoc across the SADC region.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo confirmed the arrest on Friday.
In a statement, Limpopo police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, said the suspects – aged 32 and 41 – were intercepted at Baobab Tollgate in Vhembe District, about 30km south of Beitbridge.
He said members of the Beitbridge Port of Entry Task Team were conducting a roadblock at approximately 11:00 when they stopped a white Toyota Hilux fitted with a canopy.
Col Ledwaba said the vehicle was driven by a 32-year-old Tanzanian man, accompanied by a 41-year-old fellow Tanzanian.
“During the inspection, the driver and passenger indicated that they did not have the keys to the canopy’s padlock. This raised suspicion among the police members, who instructed them to proceed to the Beitbridge border facility for further inspection,” said Colonel Ledwaba.
“Upon arrival at the border, the officers opened the canopy in the presence of the occupants, leading to the discovery of 33 bags containing dagga weighing 991.5 kilograms, with an estimated street value of approximately R1.5 million.”
He said both suspects were arrested on the spot and are expected to appear before the Musina Magistrate’s Court this week, facing charges relating to dealing in dagga.
Limpopo provincial police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, commended the officers for their vigilance.
“Vigilance and teamwork remain our strongest weapons against drug trafficking,” said Lieutenant General Scheepers.
The arrest comes as security agencies on both sides of the Beitbridge border – which separates South Africa and Zimbabwe – have raised concern over multinational syndicates smuggling drugs, dagga, broncleer and other illicit substances through the busy port.
Beitbridge, the busiest inland port in Southern Africa, handles over 15,000 travellers and 1,000 trucks daily, making it a target for smugglers hiding contraband in light vehicles, buses and trucks destined for South Africa, Zimbabwe and beyond.
Police are carrying out intensified joint operations periodically to dismantle networks running drug peddling syndicates across SADC.
