AFTER several complaints about drug dealers in Soweto, police made a breakthrough with the arrest of a man believed to be dealing in drugs.
This after the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) tactical response unit (K9) arrested a male sangoma for possession and dealing in drugs in Diepkloof, Soweto.
JMPD spokesman Superintendent Xolani Fihla said officers were conducting crime prevention patrols in Diepkloof on Friday, 5 January when they received a complaint of a sangoma who was allegedly selling drugs in the area.
Fihla said the sangoma's illegal trading area was identified and he was monitored by the officers.
“The officers further observed the man selling drugs to another man. The officers approached the sangoma and when he was searched, he was found in possession of drugs known as mandrax. The officers were further led to the suspect's residence where more drugs were found. The suspect was arrested and detained at Diepkloof SAPS for possession and dealing in drugs,” said Fihla.
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This arrest has brought relief to the community members who applauded the JMPD for a job well done. The residents had taken to the streets in November 2023 marching against the increasing rate of crime and drug dealers in Diepkloof.
The march, which was conducted by patrollers, ended at the police station, where residents voiced out their issues and came up with solutions together with the cops.
Meanwhile, the tactical response unit officers were approached by a passerby in Diepkloof zone 1 over the weekend, who informed them about a man delivering drugs in the area.
The officers intercepted the suspect and found illegal substances (kat) in his possession. He was also arrested for attempting to bribe officers with R8 000.
