FREE STATE — Authorities have confirmed a major Zamdela drug bust after police arrested two men and seized multiple illicit substances, including crystal meth and Mandrax, from a local residence. Acting on a community tip-off regarding ongoing drug sales, members of the Welkom Anti-Gang Unit executed the raid in the Angola Section of the Fezile Dabi District.
According to Lejweleputswa Police spokesperson Sergeant Palesa Thabana, authorities acted swiftly on the community intelligence to curb the illegal trade. Officers from Section C2 of the Welkom Anti-Gang Unit were on official duty in the Zamdela policing precinct on Friday, 07 August 2026, at approximately 14:00. During their patrol, they received a report from a concerned resident stating that a suspect—who had already been arrested just over a week prior on Thursday, 30 July 2026—was still actively peddling narcotics.
Responding immediately to the identified house, officers gained entry to the premises and discovered two individuals—one White male and one African male—allegedly conducting drug transactions through a fence at the rear of the property. A subsequent search of the men and the home yielded significant quantities of illicit substances and cash.
The first suspect, a 49-year-old man, was taken into custody for drug possession after officers uncovered a stash hidden on the roof of the house. Authorities confiscated 33 units of crystal methamphetamine, 31 units of rock drugs, and an undisclosed amount of cash from the concealed cache.
The second suspect, aged 33, was apprehended with drugs found directly on his person at the same address. Police seized 29 units of nyaope, one full Mandrax tablet, three half Mandrax tablets, and additional cash.
Both suspects were arrested on the spot and are expected to appear before the Sasolburg Magistrate’s Court to face formal charges of drug possession. The successful operation highlights the continued collaboration between local law enforcement and community members working to disrupt drug syndicates and ensure neighborhood safety.