Two suspected drug dealers were arrested in Mthatha on Sunday, with additional charges of bribery added after they allegedly tried to bribe a police official.
One suspect allegedly wanted to bribe a police official with R6,000 and another with R5,000.
Police spokesperson Captain Welile Matyolo said both alleged incidents happened on Sunday at Vidgiesville village outside Mthatha on the N2.
“At about 11.45am, information was received of a 32-year-old male selling drugs in Vidgiesville,” Matyolo said.
“The police’s OR Tambo district task team members swiftly attended and arrested the suspect for possession of an unlicensed firearm with the serial number erased, one round of ammunition and tik.
“Cash to the amount of R19,250 was also found. The suspect [allegedly] tried to bribe the members by offering them R6,000 for which he was also charged,” Matyolo said.
He said 15 minutes later a similar incident was reported in the same locality.
“At about midday, our district task team received information of a 37-year-old man selling drugs.”
Police found the suspect and seized Mandrax, a toy gun and 15 blank rounds.
The suspect allegedly also tried to bribe the police, with R5,000,
Police arrested him and also charged him for attempted bribery, Matyolo said.
Both suspects were detained at the Bityi police station and will appear at the Bityi regional court to face charges including possession of and dealing in drugs, possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition, and bribery.
“A fight against the selling of drugs and possession of unlicensed and illegal firearms continues in the OR Tambo district,” Matyolo said.
On Friday a 25-year-old man, driving a silver VW Polo sedan, was arrested in the CBD. He is alleged to have been delivering drugs.
“The task team received information and spotted the vehicle. Sachets of tik were found and there was money hidden under the floor mat,” Matyolo said.
“The suspect led police to his home in Sibangweni locality where tik estimated to be worth R40,000 and cash of R45,100 was found.
“The vehicle had been stolen in KwaZulu-Natal.”
Matyolo said at least six illegal firearms had been confiscated since Wednesday, with suspects arrested in the Mthatha CBD, Qumbu and Flagstaff.
The OR Tambo district commissioner, Major-General Cetyana commended the district task team for their dedication and commitment in fighting crime.
“We commit ourselves to a drug-free society and also free of illegal firearms that terrorise and kill our people,” Cetyana said.
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