In Babanango, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), authorities have detained a police officer along with two other individuals after discovering 31 bales of dagga on the R34 Road on Friday afternoon.
KZN SAPS Spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda reported that officials acted on a tip-off regarding a white Toyota Rumion suspected of transporting dagga from Nongoma towards Ulundi.
“An operation involving officers from Babanango, Ulundi, Mahlabathini, and Ulundi K9 Unit was swiftly set up, and the vehicle was spotted and stopped. Upon searching the vehicle, police found 31 bales of dagga wrapped with brown cello tape.
“Three occupants of the vehicle were arrested for dealing in dagga. The driver was identified as a police Constable, who is a member of the Public Order Police (POP) in Durban,”
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal, Major General Phumelele Makoba, praised the police for their commitment to the law, highlighting their decision to arrest one of their own.
She emphasized the importance of police officers adhering to the law and serving as role models in their communities.
“For us to effectively fight crime, we must first clean ourselves from the inside. We cannot afford to have police officers breaking the very same law that they are supposed to uphold and enforce. I have directed that necessary internal disciplinary steps must be instituted against the officer, simultaneously with the criminal proceedings,” said Major General Makoba.
The accused individuals are expected to appear in court shortly.
