alahleni — Police seized 46 bags of compressed dagga worth about R1 million after a driver of a gold Toyota Hilux bakkie fled during a late-night patrol along the R544 between eMalahleni and Bethal on Wednesday night, 10 March 2026.
According to a statement from the Office of the Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, members attached to eMalahleni SAPS were conducting routine patrols at about 23:00 when they spotted a suspicious Toyota Hilux bakkie loaded with large plastic-wrapped bags.
When police approached the vehicle to investigate, the driver allegedly jumped out of the bakkie and fled the scene on foot before officers could arrest him. Police then searched the vehicle and discovered 46 large bags containing compressed dagga.
The vehicle and the drugs were confiscated as they were allegedly used in the commission of a crime. The seized dagga has an estimated street value of about R1 million. Police said the vehicle and the drugs form part of an ongoing investigation and that efforts are underway to locate the suspect.
Community forum member Kgaugelo Mashaba said residents remain concerned about the presence of drugs in the area. “We welcome the work done by the police, but the community is still worried about the circulation of drugs and the impact it has on young people,” she said.
Local resident Jonas Dube said the discovery of such a large quantity of drugs in the area was troubling. “It is worrying to hear that such large quantities of drugs are being transported through our area. We hope the police will catch the person who fled,” he said.
Police have appealed to members of the public who may have information related to the case to contact Witbank SAPS on 079 891 5570, call Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or submit information anonymously through the MySAPS App.
