It’s one thing to read about drug busts involving career criminals.
But it hits differently when the suspects are wearing uniforms — the kind that are supposed to represent safety and order.
That’s exactly what shocked many in Mpumalanga recently when three police officers were arrested for allegedly transporting massive amounts of dagga.
Busted in Uniform With Millions Worth of Dagga
On Tuesday, 10 June, three police officers were caught red-handed while reportedly ferrying 107 bags of dagga in a marked police vehicle — and yes, they were in full uniform and on duty at the time.
The dramatic arrest took place on the N4 near the Matsulu T-junction, thanks to a tip-off that prompted Matsulu SAPS to take swift action.
The officers involved are members of the White River Flying Squad and the local SAPS.
Two other individuals were also arrested alongside them, although they are believed to face different charges.
Facing the Music in Court
The three officers are due to appear in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 12 June.
They’re staring down some serious charges — including corruption and obstructing justice. And that may not be the end of it.
According to the SAPS, the investigation is still ongoing, and more charges could be added as the case unfolds.
Internally, the police service has also confirmed that disciplinary steps will be taken against the accused.
The two other suspects arrested at the scene are reportedly facing separate charges related to drug dealing.
SAPS Boss: “No One Is Above the Law”
The acting provincial commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, didn’t mince words after the bust.
He made it clear that wearing a badge doesn’t place anyone above the law.
“If any member is found to have been on the other side of the law, regardless of whether they are police officers or any law enforcement agencies, the law will have to take its course — without fear or favour,” he said firmly.
His message was crystal clear: accountability applies to everyone, no matter the uniform.
Not an Isolated Case
Sadly, this isn’t an isolated scandal. Just a day before this bust, a separate incident in the Western Cape rocked the headlines. A 43-year-old Law Enforcement officer from the City of Cape Town was arrested by the Hawks on charges of murder, kidnapping, and extortion.
According to Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi, the case stems from a kidnapping incident on 16 May in Kraaifontein.
The victim, who went to Bellville to view a car for sale, never returned.
Instead, a friend received a distressing call from him, saying he had been kidnapped and was being beaten.
Your Take?
These back-to-back scandals have sparked big conversations around trust in law enforcement and how deep corruption might really go.
What do you think about police officers being involved in crimes they’re meant to stop?