A 42-year-old suspect is expected to appear in the Waterval Magistrate’s Court on 28 April following his arrest during an operation targeting alleged drug activity in Waterval.
Members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) in Musina acted on information received and conducted the operation, dubbed “No Fear”, on 26 April. They were assisted by the Tactical Response Team (TRT), the Makhado K9 Unit and the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC).
According to the Hawks, the team acted swiftly due to the urgency of the information and the risk that evidence could be destroyed. Officers reportedly identified themselves and explained their purpose before conducting a search at a house linked to the allegations, in line with the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Act.
During the search, police allegedly recovered items associated with drug dealing, including a weighing scale and drugs. Further searches led to the discovery of small containers holding a silver liquid suspected to be mercury, believed to be used in processing gold-bearing material, as well as grey rocks thought to be precious minerals, possibly platinum.
A licensed firearm with ammunition was also seized and will undergo ballistic testing as part of the investigation. An air rifle was also confiscated.
The K9 Unit searched the property, while the LCRC processed the scene and collected forensic evidence.
The suspect faces a charge of dealing in drugs, with the possibility of additional charges as investigations continue.
The provincial head of the Hawks in Polokwane, Maj Gen Gopz Govender, said the unit would continue to act decisively against criminal networks.
“Those involved in drugs and illegal activities should expect firm and swift law enforcement action,” he warned.