UPDATE: The name of the suspect has been released. Chuma Gqokoma made a brief appearance in court today, following his arrest on Friday, February 10. The case was postponed until February 17 for formal bail application.
The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene, has applauded the sterling efforts of members involved in a big drug bust and the arrest of a 33-year-old suspect in Mthatha yesterday, 10 February.
According to Colonel Priscilla Naidu, police spokesperson, at about 10:10 on the mentioned date, while performing Operation Sikhona duties in Mthatha, the Tactical Response Team (TRT) members followed up on information received of a suspicious person driving a silver Toyota Etios.
“The vehicle was spotted in Nelson Mandela Drive and stopped. The driver from Gqeberha was alone and the vehicle was thoroughly searched. A substantial amount of money was found on the passenger seat. A further search resulted in the discovery of a huge consignment of mandrax tablets found hidden in the door panels of the vehicle,” Naidu said.
A total of 8 928 mandrax tablets, with an estimated street value of R700 000, was confiscated. The vehicle was also impounded for further investigation.
“The suspect is expected to appear in the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 13 February.”
Mene praised those involved in supplying the intelligence which led to the successful execution of the operation.
“Illegal possession of firearms and drugs is a growing concern. We cannot and will not stand back and allow the drug market to flourish. The strong stance taken by police, is a warning to drug dealers that we will continue to be resolute in making sure that these offenders are deprived of the proceeds of crime,” Mene added.
ISSUED BY SAPS
