Members of the Oshoek Border Policing have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to securing the nation’s borders by arresting two individuals from the Kingdom of Eswatini for dealing in dagga. The suspects were caught trying to smuggle a consignment of dagga worth over R385,000 into South Africa.
Arrest and Seizure
The suspects, aged 27 and 44, were arrested on 14th July 2023 at the Oshoek Port of Entry. They were driving a white Hino truck bearing registration number plates from the Kingdom of Eswatini, and they were transporting seemingly innocent handcraft items. However, the police grew suspicious and conducted a search, which led to the discovery of approximately 91.80 kilograms of dagga concealed among the handcraft items.
The suspects were charged, and their consignment was seized. Preliminary investigations suggest that the two were likely heading to Johannesburg in the Gauteng Province.
Legal Proceedings
The police are collaborating with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to ascertain the legal status of the two suspects in the country. The men are due to appear before the Chief Albert Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 17th July 2023, to face the charges brought against them.
Commendation for the Officers
The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, has expressed her excitement and commendation for the officers working at the borders. Their relentless efforts in combatting cross-border crimes, such as the recent dagga smuggling attempt, demonstrate their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the nation.
Importance of Vigilance and Cooperation
The work of the Oshoek Border Policing team serves as a shining example of the positive results that can be achieved through persistence, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation. Their determination to prevent the illegal trade of substances such as dagga serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of maintaining steadfast vigilance and cooperation among law enforcement agencies. As they continue their critical work, they demonstrate their expertise and dedication to the ongoing battle against cross-border criminal activity.
