Two shop employees in White River have been arrested for allegedly dealing in drugs after a tip-off from a local school led police to uncover a large-scale drug operation.

The arrests on Wednesday, 12 November 2025, followed reports that learners at a nearby school were caught smoking vape pipes laced with cannabis, leading to unusual behaviour and poor concentration during exams.

According to the police, the school reported the matter, prompting an urgent investigation by the White River K9 Unit. Undercover officers conducted a test purchase of cannabis products from the shop located at 21 William Street, which had only been open since 1 November 2025.

A subsequent raid uncovered cannabis-infused products including vape juice, sweets, chocolates, lollipops, dagga, pot plants, and even cannabis-flavoured cola. The total estimated value of the seized items is R2.3 million.

Two suspects, Estelle de Beer (43) and Zinhle Mabuza (23), appeared in the White River Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 13 November 2025. De Beer was granted R1,000 bail, while Mabuza remains in custody pending address verification. Both will appear in court again on 17 November 2025.

Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, praised the school for its vigilance and urged the public to continue collaborating with law enforcement to protect children from drug exposure.