Breaking: Multimillion-rand Mandrax lab uncovered in Erasmia

Two foreign nationals have been arrested after the Hawks uncovered a clandestine Mandrax laboratory in Erasmia, west of Pretoria, on Wednesday, 9 September.

The arrests followed a Crime Intelligence Head Office-driven operation after information was handed to the Hawks’ South African Narcotics Bureau.

#sapsHQ [UPDATE ON ACTIVE CRIME SCENE: MULTIMILLION RAND MANDRAX DRUG LAB BUST IN ERASMIA]

The Deputy National Commissioner for Policing, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, is currently on the scene and being taken through the drug laboratory.

Lt General Mosikili is being… pic.twitter.com/QqkXOVIsHA

SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) September 9, 2026

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the operation led officers to the suspected laboratory, which is ‘estimated to be worth millions’.

SAPS described the incident as a developing story and said Lieutenant Colonel Singo was en route to the scene.

The police service did not provide details about the estimated value of the laboratory or confirm what substances, equipment or other items had been recovered.

Investigation remains under way

The identities and nationalities of the two suspects have not been released. SAPS has also not yet confirmed the charges they will face.

Crime reporter Yusuf Abramjee reported that a ‘multimillion rand mandrax drug lab’ had been uncovered in Erasmia and shared images from the scene on X. Yusuf Abramjee on X

Multimillion rand mandrax drug lab bust in Erasmia, Pretoria. https://t.co/I7ip8EUU0J pic.twitter.com/nYl497LqaY

Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) September 9, 2026

CrimeWatch_RSA also reported that the Hawks had arrested two foreign nationals during the discovery of the laboratory. CrimeWatch_RSA on X

[CRIME SCENE PICTURES] https://t.co/cjUXopSSRw pic.twitter.com/b2LEqacaBR

Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (@CrimeWatch_RSA) September 9, 2026

The investigation remains ongoing, with more details expected from authorities as officers process the crime scene.