Hawks uncover more than dagga during raid on Mpumalanga farm
MBOMBELA — A 71-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman have been arrested after the Hawks uncovered a dagga plantation, processed cannabis extract, four firearms and a substantial quantity of ammunition during a raid on a farm outside Mbombela in Mpumalanga.
The arrests followed an intelligence-led operation on Wednesday, 7 October, after investigators received information about suspected illegal cannabis cultivation at the property.
According to the Hawks, officers discovered an established plantation alongside processed dagga extract, two rifles, two handguns and a large quantity of live ammunition. Preliminary investigations indicated that the firearm licences had expired.
The operation involved the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit, White River K9, National Intervention Unit, Tactical Response Team and Local Criminal Record Centre.
The two suspects face charges under the Firearms Control Act and the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act, including alleged unlawful cultivation and possession of cannabis.
They were expected to appear before the Nelspruit District Court on Thursday. Their identities have not been released, and police have not disclosed the quantity or estimated value of the cannabis recovered.
Mpumalanga Hawks provincial head Major General Nico Gerber welcomed the arrests, saying intelligence-led operations involving specialised police units were important in disrupting suspected criminal activities.
The discovery also raises questions about the scale and intended market of the operation. Investigators have not established publicly whether the cannabis was intended for local distribution or supplied to buyers elsewhere.
Although South Africa permits adults to cultivate and possess cannabis for private purposes within the limits of the law, commercial cultivation and distribution remain subject to separate legal requirements.
The suspects have not been convicted of any offence. Police said investigations were continuing and additional charges could follow once the seized items had been assessed.
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