Police in the Joe Gqabi District have arrested three suspects following a targeted drug bust in Maletswai, seizing narcotics with an estimated street value of R38,777.
The operation was conducted on 21 January 2026 by the Public Order Policing (POP) Unit’s Information Component and its operational team. Three residential properties were searched, leading to the discovery and confiscation of substantial quantities of illicit drugs.
According to police, the searches uncovered 13 small sachets of tik, a further 78 sachets of tik, and 302 Mandrax tablets concealed beneath a mattress. A significant amount of cash was also seized during the operation.
The three suspects, aged between 36 and 39, were arrested at the scene on charges of dealing in and possession of illicit drugs.
They appeared before the Maletswai Magistrate’s Court on the same day, 21 January 2026, where they were each granted bail of R500. Their case has been postponed, and they are scheduled to reappear in the same court on 19 March 2026.