20/09/2025
Operation Shanela 2 Strikes: Mpumalanga Police Shut Down R350 Million Crystal M**h Lab, Arrest Five Foreign Nationals.
Nelspruit: 20 September 2025 β The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has lauded police members for their excellent work after dismantling a clandestine crystal methamphetamine laboratory worth an estimated R350 million and arresting five foreign nationals on a farm in Volksrust on Friday, 19 September 2025.
Police acted swiftly after receiving a tip-off about suspicious activities on a farm in Oudehoutkloof, Volksrust. The informant reported a strange chemical smell emanating from the premises, which raised suspicions of illicit drug manufacturing.
The intelligence was operationalised as part of Operation Shanela 2. A multidisciplinary law enforcement team, including the Department of Home Affairs, proceeded to the farm. Upon arrival, officers discovered that the gates were locked. The suspects, on noticing police, attempted to flee on foot but were quickly apprehended.
Five foreign nationals from a North American country were arrested, while two other suspects β believed to be from West African countries β managed to evade arrest by fleeing into nearby bushes.
A thorough search of the premises led to the discovery of:
- Large quantities of precursor chemicals used in drug manufacturing;
- Drug-manufacturing equipment;
- Crystal methamphetamine valued at approximately R350 million, packaged in lunch boxes and buckets stored in freezers;
- A pellet gun loaded with blank rounds; and
- Three live 9mm rounds found in the possession of the farm caretaker.
Following the discovery, the premises were secured, and Forensics was called in to process the scene, which was handed over to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (Hawks).
Preliminary investigations revealed that the five foreign nationals in custody were in the country illegally. They are facing possible charges related to contravening the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act as well as the Immigration Act. The farm caretaker, who is South African, was also arrested and faces possible charges for the possession of ammunition.
"This massive success demonstrates that cooperation between police in Mpumalanga and other entities, both government and private, is bearing expected results. Police are working hard to rid the streets of Mpumalanga of all types of drugs, and dismantling a clandestine drug lab, which is the source of these drugs, is a step in the right direction. We applaud the community members who continue to work with police and provide valuable tip-offs. Intelligence-driven operations are ongoing, and we, as police, will stop at nothing in our quest to collapse the illicit drug trade," said Major General Mkhwanazi.
All six suspects are expected to appear before court soon.
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