Two Zimbabwean nationals have been remanded in custody after appearing in the Mkhondo Magistrate’s Court today on charges of dealing in dagga and illegal immigration.
Tinashe Chitsamba (40) and Oscar Mutsetemari (45) were arrested on Wednesday, 04 December 2025, at approximately 20:35 on the N2 highway near Mahamba.
According to police reports, officers from Mahamba were conducting routine crime prevention patrols when they stopped and searched a truck carrying the two men. The search yielded six large bags of compressed dagga concealed at the back of the vehicle.
Upon police enquiry, the suspects stated they were travelling from Empangeni in KwaZulu-Natal and were en route to Zimbabwe. They allegedly loaded the contraband at Tshelejuba, on the east side of Mahamba in the same province.
The dagga, weighing approximately 200 kilograms with an estimated street value of R1.2 million, was seized. The truck used in the alleged operation was also confiscated by police for further investigation.
In addition to the charge of dealing in dagga, both men face charges for being in the country illegally.
The court remanded the duo in custody. Their case has been postponed to 28 January 2026 to allow for further police investigation.