The latest drug trade incident during the early hours of Sunday, 31 May 2026,in which 3 suspects were arrested in Hoedspruit and 130 bags of dagga with a street value of R11 million were seized points to a growing crisis brewing in the province.
The drugs allegedly originate in Eswatini and were enroute to an undisclosed location. The DA calls for a swift investigation that will ensure the conviction of the three accused coupled with lengthy prison sentences.
The suspects remain in custody until their formal bail hearing scheduled for 8 June 2025.
The drug related crime statistics presented by the Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, on 27 May 2026 confirms that drug related crimes are spiralling out of control.
During the fourth quarter for 2025/2026, drug related crime in Limpopo increased year-on-year by 20.7 percentage points in 12 months from 2340 to 2825; an increase of 485 incidents.
Drug related crimes fall under the category : “Crimes detected as a result of police action” and drug busts must therefore be commendable and act as a deterrent against would be drug traffickers.
However, the statistics reveal the opposite; drug related arrests in Limpopo increased by 53% over the last for years.
The ongoing drug trade has horrendous implications for local communities; the devastating impact of drug use on people, their families and communities cannot be over emphasised.
It is clear that we are losing the war against drugs. These busts will boost community confidence in SAPS and act as a deterrent against drug manufacturers dealers hoping to expand their illicit activities to Limpopo.