Mkhondo (formerly Piet Relief) – A 43-year-old minibus taxi passenger, who tried to smuggle dagga from Eswatini into South Africa, was arrested after authorities found the contraband strapped around his belly with masking tape.
The Eswatini national on Wednesday appeared in the Piet Retief Magistrate’s Court in Mkhondo, Mpumalanga, where he was remanded in custody.
Narrating events leading to the arrest, Mpumalanga police spokesperson Captain Magonseni Nkosi said the accused, named as Bhekithemba Simelane, was a passenger in a minibus taxi that was stopped by the police along the N2.
“Police from Mahamba port of entry were performing normal stop and search duties when they stopped a Toyota Quantum taxi,” Captain Nkosi said.
“A search was conducted and a large quantity of dagga weighing 3,922kg wrapped around Simelane’s body was found.”
Captain Nkosi said their preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect’s destination was Vryheid, KwaZulu-Natal.
He said a case of dealing in dagga was opened against the suspect.
The suspect will again appear in court on 6 March 2024.
