SAPS seize cannabis worth R158,000 in two Limpopo operations; five arrested

Police seize large quantity of cannabis in two Limpopo operations

Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) confiscated cannabis with a combined estimated street value of R158,000 during two separate incidents in Limpopo, authorities said.

Stop-and-search on N2 leads to five arrests

On Wednesday, 20 May 2026, a stop-and-search along the N2 near a farm in Mahamba resulted in the discovery of cannabis inside a white Toyota Venture travelling towards Newcastle. During the search police found 15 rolls of cannabis plants totalling 25.5kg, which the report described as worth over R15,000.

According to Citizen, the Mahamba SAPS operation recovered cannabis with an estimated street value of R153,000. Citizen also reported that five suspects, aged between 30 and 34, were immediately arrested and charged, and that all five are expected to appear at the Piet Retief Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 22 May 2026.

Separate tip-off yields smaller seizure in Polokwane

The second incident followed a tip-off from residents alleging a suspect was selling cannabis near Viljoen and General Maritz Streets in Polokwane. Members of the Provincial Community Policing Forum (CPF) and the SAPS Organised Crime Unit recovered cannabis with an estimated street value of R5,000.

Police located the unknown male suspect at a nearby park in Bendor, but the report states he fled on foot and escaped arrest. The recovered plants were seized and investigations to trace the suspect are underway.

Police and community collaboration

The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, praised the partnership between the SAPS and the CPF, calling it a vital tool in combating drug dealing and other criminal activity. She urged communities to continue cooperating with police to build safer neighbourhoods.

“Safer communities can only be achieved through unity, trust, and cooperation between the police and the public,” the provincial commissioner said, according to the report.

What police say next

The SAPS said it remains committed to intensifying operations aimed at combating drug trafficking and criminal activities within the Mahamba policing area.