Three suspects have been arrested for alleged drug dealing, bribery and being undocumented in Hendrina, Mpumalanga, after police recovered suspected drugs, smoking pipes and cash during a self-initiated operation.
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe, members of the Witbank Tactical Response Team (TRT) conducted the operation on Tuesday, after receiving information about individuals allegedly involved in drug dealing in the Hendrina policing precinct.
A 44-year-old suspect was arrested for alleged drug dealing and for being undocumented.
Police recovered five packets of crystal meth, 64 packets of suspected nyaope and seven glass smoking pipes. The alleged drugs were estimated to be worth R2,060, while R1,207 in cash was also recovered.
A second suspect, aged 41, was arrested for alleged drug dealing.
Police seized 80 packets of suspected nyaope, 15 packets of suspected crystal meth, three suspected ecstasy tablets, two suspected rocks and 12 glass smoking pipes.
The alleged drugs were estimated to be worth R3,340, while R360 in cash was recovered, said Mpe.
Suspect allegedly tried to bribe police
The third suspect, aged 35, was arrested for alleged bribery and for being undocumented after he reportedly attempted to bribe police officers with R1,000.
The three suspects appeared in the Hendrina Magistrate’s Court on Friday, September 4, and remained in custody.
They are expected to appear again on Monday, September 7.
The suspects were identified as Arinze Amudike, 44, Chinetu Okeshukwu, 41, and Iwuji Chigozie, 35.
Police commissioner welcomes arrests
Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise commended the TRT members for their vigilance and swift response to information regarding alleged drug dealing.
“Drug dealing destroys communities and contributes to other criminal activities.
”We will continue to conduct intelligence-driven and self-initiated operations to disrupt the illegal drug trade and ensure that those involved in such criminal activities are brought to justice,” Modise said.
“We also have a zero-tolerance approach towards bribery and corruption. No person should attempt to interfere with Police officers in the execution of their duties,” he said.
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