A total of nine people have been arrested following a drug bust at the Beit Bridge Border Post on February 17.

The drugs were discovered in a false compartment in the trailer of a truck entering the country. Initially, it was suspected that the white substance might be heroin, but an analysis by the Forensics Laboratory in Pretoria identified the substance as Methaqualone, which is used in the manufacture of Mandrax tablets.

In total, 46 bags weighing 1161.8kg were seized. The value of the substance is estimated to be approximately R10 million. Following the discovery at the border post, members of the Organised Crime Unit from the police in Limpopo took over the investigation and arrested the truck driver, Aubrey Sobyza Lingwati, and James Johannes. They appeared in the Musina Magistrate’s Court on February 19 and their case was remanded to February 29 for a bail application.

Following the arrest, members followed up on information which led them to a smallholding at Zuurbekom, Westonaria. Equipment for the manufacturing of drugs was found and seized. The estimated value of the equipment is around R4 million. During the search of the premises, other suspects were also arrested, namely Vuyelwa Happy Judith Mashaba (the owner of the small holding), Jade Jadeen Watson (the wife of James Johannes), Antonio Albert Zucua (a worker on the smallholding and originally from Mocambique), Thaba Kiba (a worker on the smallholding and originally from Lesotho), Super Siphayi and Shaik Aroon.

All the accused appeared in court on February 22 and were remanded in custody. They will appear in court again on March 4 for a formal bail application. They are facing charges of dealing in and manufacturing of drugs.

Another main suspect was not present during the search of the premises and a warrant for his arrest was issued. The breakthrough came on Thursday, February 28, when Matthews Mashaba was arrested. He appeared in the Musina Magistrate´s Court on Friday on charges of dealing and manufacturing of drugs, together with James Johannes and Aubrey Lingwati. Mashaba and Johannes both received bail of R150 000 and Lingwati bail of R50 000. Their case was postponed until March 28.

Investigations are continuing.