Five accused in R100m Krugersdorp drug lab bust remain in custody

Five people arrested after the discovery of a suspected drug manufacturing laboratory at a farm in Hekpoort, near Krugersdorp, will remain behind bars as the case against them continues.

The accused appeared before the Krugersdorp Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 12 October 2026, facing charges relating to the alleged manufacture of and dealing in illegal drugs.

The laboratory and its contents are estimated to have a street value of approximately R100 million.

The accused are Trent Coetzer, 36, Nakedi Makwesi, 44, Evan-Lee Mohapi, 25, Donell Coetzer, 28, and Lyle Johnson, 21.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said the matter had been postponed to 21 October for verification of the accused’s residential addresses and a formal bail application.

All five remain in custody.

“The National Prosecuting Authority remains committed to working closely with law enforcement agencies to combat organised crime and to ensure that those involved in the manufacture and distribution of illegal drugs are held accountable before the law,” Mohlatlole said.

How the suspected drug lab was uncovered

The laboratory was discovered at a farm in Hekpoort after law enforcement authorities received information about suspected illegal drug manufacturing activities at the property.

Following the issuing of a search warrant, officers conducted an operation at the premises, where they allegedly found the clandestine laboratory and arrested the five accused.

The operation was led by the Hawks’ Narcotics Bureau, working alongside SAPS Head Office Crime Intelligence, the Special Task Force and the West Rand K-9 Unit.

Laboratory valued at R100 million

Preliminary estimates put the value of the laboratory and its contents at approximately R100 million, making the discovery a significant operation against suspected illegal drug production.

Authorities have not disclosed further details about the substances allegedly being manufactured or the individual roles of the five accused.

The case is expected to return to court on 21 October, when the formal bail application is due to be heard.

The accused have been charged, but the allegations against them have not yet been proven in court.

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Source: The Citizen