Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
A 32-year-old Zimbabwean man arrested in South Africa last week for allegedly dealing in dagga worth an estimated R300 000 has appeared before the Giyani Magistrate’s Court in Limpopo Province.
The suspect, Lovers Moyo, was remanded in custody and his case was postponed to Friday for a bail application and further police investigations.
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malasela Ledwaba confirmed the arrest, saying it followed a multi-unit operation conducted along the R529 and R81 intersection in the Giyani policing area in Mopani District on Wednesday last week.
According to Col Ledwaba, members of the Mopani District Tracking Team, Giyani Operational Unit, Tzaneen Tactical
Response Team (TRT), Giyani Public Order Policing (POP) Unit and private security partners intercepted a Nissan Qashqai during the operation.
A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of seven wrapped brown bags and 30 black plastic bags containing dagga with an estimated street value of R300 000.
Col Ledwaba said further checks revealed that the vehicle was displaying registration plates that did not correspond with its registered details.
“The 32-year-old driver was immediately arrested and charged with dealing in dagga,” he said.
“The vehicle was also found displaying registration plates that did not correspond with its registered details.
“Moyo remains in police custody and is expected back in court next Friday as investigations continue.”
Police have launched further investigations to determine the source of the drugs and whether the suspect is linked to a wider drug trafficking network operating in the region.
Col Ledwaba said the latest arrest forms part of a growing number of drug seizures recorded along the R81 corridor, a route frequently used by cross-border traffickers moving narcotics between Zimbabwe and South Africa.
“We have intensified operations in Giyani and surrounding areas in recent months to curb drug trafficking and related crimes,” said Col Ledwaba.
Authorities say efforts to combat cross-border drug trafficking will continue as law enforcement agencies tighten surveillance along key transport routes in Limpopo Province.
Moyo remains in custody pending his next court appearance on Friday.
