Makapanstad – Police have earned praise for their crime-fighting operations after they seized a huge quantity of illicit drugs worth millions of rand and arrested six suspects in Moretele, North West.
The swoop on Monday, 8 December 2025, involved the Hawks and a team from Counter-Narcotics and Gangs (from Western Cape), which uncovered a clandestine mandrax manufacturing laboratory on a small holding in Thulwe, north-west of Maubane.
At least six suspects were arrested.
Commenting on the drug bust, Moretele Local Municipality Mayor Masango George Manyike commended the Makapanstad SA Police Service and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks ) for “their swift and coordinated operation that led to the arrest of six suspects and the discovery of millions worth of drugs in Makapanstad”.
Mayor Manyike praised the dedication and vigilance displayed by the law enforcement agencies, stating that their efforts demonstrate a firm stand against criminal activities that threaten the safety and well-being of Moretele communities.
“This breakthrough is a clear message that illegal drug manufacturing and distribution will not be tolerated in our municipality,” said Mayor Manyike.
“We are grateful for the swift response and collaboration between the Hawks and our local police.
‘Their work helps protect our youth and communities from the devastating impact of drugs.”
Mayor Manyike said the municipality remains committed to working closely with law enforcement to combat crime and ensure safer neighbourhoods.
Meanwhile, the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West on Tuesday applauded the arrest of six suspects after the discovery of drugs worth millions at a clandestine drug laboratory in Makapanstad.
The civil society-led movement that promotes positive values said that the breakthrough has exposed the shift of drug trade operations from urban centers to rural communities.
Convenor of the MRM Interim Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele, stated that illicit drugs were destroying the future and lives of the youth.
“While we are encouraged that there still exists capacity within the SAPS to mount such a thorough investigation by dedicated police officers, we can only celebrate the successful arrests when follow-up investigations lead to the arrest of the mastermind/s behind what is undoubtedly a drug cartel that is supported by sophisticated logistics to move the drugs around,” stated Pastor Kgwele.
He reiterated that drug abuse and illicit trafficking were tearing families apart.
“There is an urgent need for united action and collaboration to establish value-driven communities as part of contributing towards reclaiming Ubuntu and addressing moral decay,” said Pastor Kgwele.
“This effort must be supported by intensified efforts to rid our communities of drugs, which are contributing to senseless violent crimes and gender-based violence, and femicide.”
