The Welkom Anti-Gang Unit arrested a 17-year-old male disguised as Santa Claus in Ladybrand for dealing in drugs.
The unit, deployed to enhance border security, tourism safety, and protect the economic hub, became suspicious when the suspect’s customers were all “dodgy characters” instead of children.
When police investigated the “Christmas sweets” he was selling, the suspect fled. Officers apprehended him and found 49 zip-lock bags containing 16.75 grams of crystal meth. Cash in South African Rands and Lesotho Maloti, believed to be drug proceeds, was confiscated.
A case of dealing in drugs was opened at Ladybrand Police Station. The minor was processed under the Child Justice Act and released into the care of a legal guardian.