KOMANI – Three suspects aged between 41 and 54 have been arrested in Komani after a joint operation by Komani SAPS Crime Prevention Unit (CPU) and Komani Crime Intelligence (CI) members allegedly uncovered 120kg of methcathinone (CAT), valued at more than R720,000.
The suspects also allegedly attempted to bribe a police official with R2,000.
According to police spokesperson Captain Yolisa Mgolodela, it is alleged that on 13 September, members received information about a Toyota Fortuner with an Eastern Cape registration number plate that was travelling from Bridge Camp, Cofimvaba, en route to Komani.
She said the team waited for the vehicle on the N6 and it was pulled over as it was approaching Ultra City Garage.
Mgolodela said it is alleged that there were three occupants in the vehicle, two men and one woman, who was reportedly found to be an illegal foreign national.
“Upon searching the vehicle, it is alleged that methcathinone (CAT), weighing 120kg, with an estimated street cash value of more than R720,000, was found in their possession,” said Mgolodela.
She also said that, to evade arrest, the suspects allegedly attempted to bribe a police official with an amount of R2,000.
“The trio were arrested on the spot. The CAT worth more than R720,000, the R2,000 cash used for the bribe and the Toyota Fortuner, believed to have been used as an instrumentality in the commission of a crime, were seized,” said Mgolodela.
She said the suspects were charged with dealing in drugs and bribing a police official.
Mgolodela also said the third suspect was further charged with contravention of the Immigration Act.
She said they were detained and will appear before the Komani Magistrate’s Court on 15 September.
The joint team was lauded by the District Commissioner, Major General Rudolph Adolph, for the sterling job.
He further wagged a finger at those who are hell-bent on infesting the streets of Chris Hani District with drugs that destroy the future of the youth.
ALSO READ: KwaNojoli man sentenced to 15 years for murder and cover-up
