Groblersdal drug bust case postponed as fifth suspect is arrested

The case against the four suspects in the Groblersdal drug bust case was postponed to 1 August as Hawks arrest fifth suspect.

Melvin Khumalo, Gonzalez Jorge Partida, Gitierrez Lopes Alejandro and Roelof Botha [Farm owner] appeared before the Groblersdal Magistrates’ Court. They face charges of manufacturing, dealing and also drug possession. A fifth suspect has been arrested and will appear in the same court on Tuesday, 30 July.

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“It is alleged that the suspects were caught in a farm manufacturing drugs worth R2 billion. The matter is postponed for 1 August 2024 for bail application,” said spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority in Limpopo, Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi

“The fifth suspect was also arrested and will appear in court on Tuesday at Groblersdal Magistrate’s court.”

FIFTH SUSPECT ARRESTED AS THE CASE AGAINST THE GROBLERSDAL DRUG BUST IS POSTPONED

Meanwhile, the DA in Limpopo has commenced the arrest of the five suspects. “Drug-related crime in Limpopo is on the rise. This bust is a huge win for the SAPS and our communities,” said the DA.

“The annual SAPS crime statistics for the 2022-2023 year indicate that there were 6833 drug-related arrests due to police action. An increase of 24.1 percentage points from the previous year.

“During the third quarter of 2023, drug-related crime in Limpopo increased year-on-year by 9.7 percentage points in 12 months from 1812 to 1987,” they added.

“It is clear that we are losing the war against drugs. This bust will boost community confidence in SAPS and will act as a deterrent against drug manufacturers and dealers hoping to expand their illicit activities to Limpopo.”