NELSPRUIT – The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela is leading the 2022 Safer Festive Season Operation in the province which has thus far yielded some positive results. The General today, 22 December 2022 conduct edinspection on operations and visited Oshoek Port of Entry and other places in Gert Sibande District as part of the operation and a suspect aged 28 was arrested with dagga worth more than R1 million.
The man was apprehended on the N17 Road by the members that were contacting stop-and-searches which forms part of the operation. The man was driving in a silver Subaru with Gauteng registration number plates. His vehicle was stopped and a search conducted by the vigilant members who discovered large volume of dagga (weighing at about 282, 70 kg’s) inside some plastic bags wrapped with sellotape. He was nabbed and charged for dealing in dagga. Preliminary investigation revealed that the man is from the country of Tanzania and investigators are working with officials from the department of Home Affairs to ascertain his status in the country. More charges could be added against the suspect as the investigation continues. He is expected to appear in the Chief Albert Luthuli Magistrate’s Court today, 22 December 2022 facing the said charges.
The General’s visit started at Lochiel, on the Oshoek – Ermelo road (N17). Members conducted vehicle control check point, searched pedestrians and distributed crime awareness pamphlets as well as the SAPS provincial 2023 calendars. Department of Health came in support and ensured that after the outbreak of Measles three months back where the opportunity was used during the joint venture with the SAPS. Children between six months and fifteen years are being vaccinated. Even though health practitioners experience some resistance on few occasions, but receive support from parents in the vaccination program.
The Provincial Commissioner at the Oshoek Port of Entry motivated and encouraged law enforcers to execute their duties within the framework of the law. The General also interacted with community members and business operators, warned them of crime patterns during this time of the year. It was also realised that some accidents are not merely accidents, but rather negligence. One fully loaded articulated truck was stopped and discovered that it was fitted with smooth tyres. The driver was handed over to the traffic officials to address the matter accordingly.
Meanwhile regarding the arrest of the man with dagga, the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela reassured the public that law enforcement agencies are working hard to ensure that members of the public enjoy their festive season at peace. “For us the arrest demonstrates our unwavering determination to decisively deal with crime during this festive season and we are not going to back down, more so as we are in the midst of the festivities with influx of people in the province. This is the time where we are stamping down on the authority of the state. We will not leave any stone unturned” reassured the General.

Source: South African Police Service