THREE ARRESTED AFTER R12 MILLION DAGGA SEIZURE AND ALLEGED BRIBERY ATTEMPT IN MIDDELBURG

Three suspects aged between 27 and 33 have been arrested following the seizure of dagga worth an estimated R12 million and an alleged attempt to bribe police officers in Middelburg, Mpumalanga.

The arrests were made on Monday, 19 October 2026, at approximately 15:30 along the N4 near Vandyksdrift by members of the Nkangala District Anti-Hijacking Task Team and the Middelburg Flying Squad.

According to police, officers were conducting patrols and stop-and-search operations when they spotted a white Isuzu truck travelling at high speed. After stopping and searching the vehicle, they discovered several bags of compressed dagga concealed beneath a green tent covering luggage inside the truck.

While officers were still at the scene, two men travelling in a white Volkswagen Polo with Mpumalanga registration plates arrived and allegedly approached the police, offering money in exchange for the release of the dagga and the suspect.

The men reportedly offered officers R12,590 before increasing the amount by a further R10,000 when their initial offer was rejected. Police warned them against attempting to bribe officers before arresting them on charges relating to possession of dagga and alleged bribery.

A total of 55 bags of compressed dagga weighing approximately 1,680 kilograms were confiscated. The drugs have an estimated street value of R12 million, with each bag reportedly marked with names and intended destinations.

The three suspects are expected to appear before the Middelburg Magistrate's Court soon to face the charges.

Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise commended the officers for their work and for refusing to accept the alleged bribe.

Modise said the arrests demonstrated the police service's commitment to fighting crime and corruption, adding that attempts to corrupt police officers would not be tolerated.

“We can never allow anyone to corrupt any of our members, and for those who take chances, they will face the full might of the law,” said Modise.

She further praised the officers for their efforts in disrupting criminal activities and removing a significant quantity of dagga from circulation.