The police in Malamulele are still in a joyous mood, following the arrest of a well-known Rastafarian, who is alleged to have planted many dagga plants in his yard.

Thompson Ngobeni (56), from the nearby Altein village outside Malamulele, was allegedly found with dagga that weighed a hefty 613,9kg, with a street value of about R150 000. The arrest took place on Monday morning.

Malamulele police spokesperson WO Alson Mapindani said the arrest came as a result of a tip-off from members of the community, who told police of the presence of dagga in the village. “We found 48 big dagga plants, with some of the dagga already being dried on a mat."

Ngobeni appeared in court Tuesday and the case was postponed to 29 April, pending further investigations. He was not asked to plead and he remains in custody after he was denied bail.