– The DA welcomes the arrest of five suspects in two separate Maruleng dagga busts, with drugs worth more than R12.5 million intercepted.
– These arrests highlight the urgent need to dismantle drug syndicates and restore law and order in our communities.
– The DA calls for firm, thorough prosecution and will monitor the matters as they proceed through the Hoedspruit Magistrate’s Court.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Maruleng Local Municipality welcomes the recent arrest of two separate groups of alleged dagga traffickers by the South African Police Service (SAPS), with the assistance of Hoedspruit Farm Watch, and calls for the thorough and transparent prosecution of both matters.
These arrests underscore the urgent need to tackle crime decisively and dismantle criminal networks that threaten the safety, health and wellbeing of our communities. We must catch criminals, secure convictions, and restore law and order.
On 30 May 2026, a major consignment of 130 bags of dagga, with an estimated street value of approximately R11 million, was intercepted and three suspects were arrested. More recently, on 11 June 2026, 31 bags containing dagga, with an estimated street value of approximately R1 575 000, were intercepted, leading to the arrest of two suspects.
Drug syndicates exploit vulnerable individuals, undermine the rule of law, and erode trust in our institutions. The DA commends SAPS and Hoedspruit Farm Watch for their vigilance and decisive intervention in these matters.
We further call on the criminal justice system to ensure that these cases are prosecuted properly and without delay, sending a clear message that criminal activity will not be tolerated in Maruleng.
The accused appeared in the Hoedspruit Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 15 June 2026, and the matters were postponed to 22 June 2026. The DA in Maruleng will closely monitor the progress of these cases until their conclusion.
Our community deserves the assurance that justice will be served and that those responsible for drug-related crimes will be held accountable.
The DA remains committed to working with law enforcement, civil society and residents to build safer communities free from the scourge of crime and drug syndicates.
As residents, we all have a role to play in shaping a safer future. One way to do so is by ensuring that you are registered to vote. By registering, residents secure their right to participate in decisions that affect our municipality, strengthen the fight against crime and corruption, and help change the trajectory of our communities.