NORTHERN CAPE – After an extensive undercover operation in the Northern Cape, Mpumalanga and Gauteng, and during which members of a multidisciplinary taskforce conducted a series of controlled purchases of drugs and unlicensed firearms, seven suspects were arrested on Thursday 18 June.

This investigation commenced in November 2023 after intelligence identified two suspects allegedly involved in the distribution of illicit drugs and unlicensed firearms and ammunition to the Northern Cape, said Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Singo, spokesperson of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks).

As part of the extensive undercover operation, members conducted a series of controlled purchases that linked several suspects to the illegal activities. On 26 February 2025, approximately 7000 mandrax tablets were purchased from the suspects, with two additional suspects directly involved in the transaction.

Series of controlled purchases

Further undercover operations were conducted on the following dates:

• 28 March 2025: 5000 mandrax tablets and 250 grams of crystal methamphetamine (tik) were purchased.
• 15 April 2025: 4000 mandrax tablets, 500 grams of crystal methamphetamine, and two handguns were purchased. Two additional suspects participated in the transaction.
• 15 May 2025: 5000 mandrax tablets, 750 grams of crystal methamphetamine, and another handgun were purchased.
• 16 May 2025: A further handgun was purchased.
• 10 July 2025: 7000 mandrax tablets and one kilogramme of crystal methamphetamine were purchased.

Arrests across three provinces

The investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in the Northern Cape ultimately culminated in the arrest of the seven suspects, aged 33 to 43 years, in Gauteng and Mpumalanga.

In Gauteng, suspects were apprehended in Lenasia, Benoni, Brakpan and at Boksburg Prison, while one suspect was arrested in Delmas, Mpumalanga.

During the operation, four vehicles were seized, one of which is suspected to be stolen.

The suspects are expected to appear before the Tsakane Magistrate’s Court in Brakpan on Friday 19 June, facing charges related to dealing in drugs, unlawful possession and dealing in firearms, and possession of ammunition.

The arrests followed a multidisciplinary takedown operation conducted by members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in the Northern Cape, supported by the Priority Crime Specialised Investigation, Pretoria Tactical Operations Management Section, National Intervention Unit in Pretoria, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department Airwing, and Headquarters Communication Services.

The investigation remains ongoing and additional charges may be added as the case progresses, said Singo.

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