Volksrust – Five Mexicans arrested during a police raid of a multi-million-dollar clandestine crystal meth drug manufacturing laboratory, on an Ousehoutklood farm outside Volksrust, Mpumalanga, have appeared in court.
Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi said the Mexicans were nabbed on Friday, 19 September 2025, after a tip-off.
The police spokesperson said a terrible odour was the giveaway of the lab.
The five Mexican nationals, 36-year-old Isabel Antonio Quintero Corrales, 36-year-old Hector Manuel Valenzuela Ontiveros, 31-year-oldLuis Alberto Osorio Viscarra, 36-year-oldJose Omar Molina Jimenez, and 48-year-old Nicanor Molina Jimenez, appeared in the Volksrus Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 22 September 2025.
A 61-year-old South African accused in the matter, Bafana Samson Magubane, also appeared alongside the Mexicans.
Lieutenant Colonel Nkosi said two Nigerians who ran away during the raid remain at large.
All the arrested accused were remanded in custody, and the matter was adjourned to Friday, 26 September 2026, to enable the court to secure the services of the Spanish interpreter.
Narrating events leading to the massive drug bust, Lieutenant Colonel Nkosi said the accused were arrested as a result of a “speedy reaction to information received from the whistle-blower about the unpleasant smell” in the area.
“On the police’s arrival, the six suspects were found in the laboratory,” said Lieutenant Colonel Nkosi.
“Chemicals, final products of crystal meth, and machinery believed to be used in drug’s manufacturing were found.”
Lieutenant Colonel Nkosi said Magubane was found in possession of three 9mm live rounds.
“He could not produce a firearm licence. He was also charged with the Contravention of the Firearm Control Act of South Africa,” the police spokesperson said.
“The five Mexicans were in possession of their traveling documents, which are questionable.
“The Department of Home Affairs will be brought on board for further investigation.”
An in-depth investigation into the clandestine laboratory is conducted by the Hawks Secunda based Serious Organised Crime Investigation.
The recent recovery of the clandestine laboratory followed a few months after similar activities were discovered in Standerton, less than 100 km from Volksrust.
In Standerton, police found a clandestine laboratory with equipment, chemicals, and final products valued at more than R50 million was recovered.
The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Mpumalanga, Major General Nico Gerber, applauded the positive working relationship between the man in blue and the community members.
“Together, we can do more in squeezing the space for drug syndicates. The Hawks have taken over investigation and will investigate the links and involvement of the Mexican nationals arrested,” said the Major General.
