Mpumalanga police seize R4m dagga haul at Oshoek border

South African police in Mpumalanga have arrested a suspect and seized a load of 49 bags of dagga, valued at over R4 million, during a border control operation. The arrest occurred at the Oshoek Port of Entry, situated on the Kingdom of Eswatini border, around 1:30am on Monday, 17 August 2026.

According to police spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe, the search took place on the arrival side from the Kingdom of Eswatini into South Africa. During the search, police found the 49 bags of suspected dagga, totaling roughly 630 kilograms, with an estimated street value of more than R4 million. The suspect was subsequently arrested and detained.

The seized Volvo truck, a horse and trailer with Kingdom of Eswatini registration plates, was believed to belong to a logistics company operating in the Kingdom of Eswatini. Nonyane-Mpe stated that the truck, along with the suspect, was seized.

The suspect is expected to face court charges related to the possession of dagga. Police investigations are ongoing to ascertain the origin and intended destination of the consignment, as well as to identify any additional individuals potentially involved in the illegal drug trade.

Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (Saps) in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise, commended the arrest and seizure, highlighting the significance of enhanced law enforcement activities at the country's borders. Modise affirmed that the successful interception of this substantial consignment underscores the police's resolve to remain vigilant at the Ports of Entry.

She emphasized that while traffickers frequently attempt to exploit border controls, these successes demonstrate that the government's efforts to combat cross-border criminal activities are effective. Modise pledged to strengthen ongoing operations and cooperation with other stakeholders.