A 32-year-old man, Mpendulo Raymond Vilakati, from the Kingdom of Eswatini, was found guilty and sentenced to a fine of R50 000 (fifty thousand rand) or, in default of payment, to twelve (12) years’ imprisonment for dealing in dagga.
According to information, on Monday, 27 October 2025, at about 18:30, intelligence-driven information led to the arrest of the suspect, who was driving a vehicle with a Gauteng registration number and a trailer suspected to be transporting dagga from the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Members from Crime Intelligence followed up on the information and intercepted the vehicle in Carolina, where they discovered 150 packets of compressed dagga weighing approximately 156 kg , with an estimated street value of R936 000.
Vilakati appeared today, Wednesday, 29 October 2025, before the Carolina Magistrate’s Court on charges of dealing in dagga. He was found guilty, paid a fine of R50 000, and was subsequently released.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the vehicle belonged to Vilakati. Further investigations are underway to determine whether it was used in the commission of other crimes.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the arrest and commended the members involved. He stated: “The roads in our province should not be used for illegal drug trafficking. We remain committed to removing drugs from our communities and holding offenders accountable.
