Toll Plaza Trap: Police Nab Four as R1.8m Dagga Haul Ends in Bribery Attempt

Two arrested with massive dagga load, two more nabbed trying to bribe their way out

A well-timed police sting operation at Middelburg Toll Plaza in Mpumalanga has brought down a major dagga trafficking attempt and exposed just how far some criminals will go to avoid handcuffs.

Thanks to swift action and solid intelligence gathering, the South African Police Service (SAPS) swooped in on a double-cab Toyota GD-6 bakkie carrying 15 tightly packed bags of dagga, weighing over 300 kilograms and worth a staggering R1.8 million on the street.

Quick action stops drug run in its tracks

According to SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, it all started with a tip-off that two vehicles were moving a significant load of dagga across the province. Members from the Middelburg Flying Squad, the Middelburg K9 Unit, and Provincial Counter-Intelligence didn’t waste time. By 5:30 PM on Tuesday, they had intercepted one of the bakkies at the busy Middelburg Toll Plaza.

What they found inside was more than enough to lay serious charges: 307 kilograms of dagga, neatly stashed and ready for distribution.

Bribery twist stuns police on scene

While officers were processing the two suspects on the scene, the drama took an unexpected turn. Two men—foreign nationals from Lesotho, approached the officers and allegedly tried to offer them a R13,000 bribe in exchange for letting the suspects go with their cargo.

But this isn’t a movie. These SAPS members weren’t swayed.

Instead of walking away, the two would-be bribers were arrested on the spot and charged with corruption.

Integrity wins the day

Acting Provincial Police Commissioner Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi praised the professionalism of the officers involved.

“Though members were offered cash to look away, they remained committed to the SAPS Code of Conduct,” Mkhwanazi said. “This is the calibre of members that gives us joy as they are determined to root out criminal activities.”

Not an isolated incident

This high-profile bust follows another major drug interception earlier in the week. In Cape Town’s Goodwood area, police seized R54.3 million worth of narcotics from two foreign nationals during a separate intelligence-led operation. The country’s borders and even its toll plazas—are becoming crucial pressure points in the fight against illicit trade.

Community and social media react

On social media, many South Africans have applauded the arrest, calling it a “win for honest policing.” Twitter user @Mpho_SA said, “If every SAPS officer had this kind of integrity, crime would drop overnight. Hats off to these heroes.”

However, others pointed out that drug busts like this often highlight a deeper issue: the steady flow of drugs through regional transport routes. “These syndicates use our roads like a delivery app. We need more operations like this,” one Facebook user posted.

Court appearances pending

The four suspects, including the two arrested for bribery, are expected to appear before the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. They face charges ranging from drug trafficking to bribery of a police officer.

This story is more than just another drug bust. It’s a snapshot of the daily battles being fought on South Africa’s roads, where law enforcement is challenged not just by crime, but by attempts to compromise their integrity. This time, honesty won.

But the question remains: how many other bakkies passed through before this one got caught?

{Source: The Citizen}

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