By Staff Reporter
LYDENBURG – A routine police operation took a dramatic turn on Tuesday, 06 May 2025, when three suspects, aged between 26 and 36, attempted to bribe police officers with R53,000 after being caught transporting dagga along the R37 Hendricksdal Road near Lydenburg.
The SAPS Combat and Proactive Team acted on a tip-off from local security companies about a suspicious Toyota Hilux bakkie and an Audi A4 allegedly being used to smuggle dagga.
Officers promptly responded and intercepted both vehicles en route from Lydenburg to Nelspruit.
Upon stopping the vehicles, officers conducted a thorough search and uncovered a large quantity of dagga with an estimated street value of R1.6 million.
In a desperate attempt to avoid arrest and secure the release of their vehicles, the suspects allegedly offered police officials a bribe of R53,000, referred to as a “cold drink” in street slang.
Police, however, rejected the bribe and detained the trio on charges of dealing in dagga and attempting to bribe a law enforcement officer.
The suspects appeared before the Sabie Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 07 May 2025, where they were remanded in custody. They are expected to return to court on Tuesday, 13 May 2025.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, praised the officers involved for their professionalism and integrity.
He further commended their contribution to Operation Vala Umgodi, a nationwide initiative aimed at tackling illicit activities, including drug trafficking.
“This arrest is a testament to our continued efforts to disrupt criminal networks and uphold the law without compromise,” said Mkhwanazi.
