Vuyokazi Toko, 43, and Nelisa Shikwambane, 44, appeared before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where they were released on bail following their arrest on 29 March 2026.

The pair were allegedly found with cocaine worth approximately R900,000, weighing more than 2kg, during a bust that has raised concerns about organised drug networks operating through South Africa’s busiest airport.

As part of strict bail conditions, both accused have been barred from leaving the country and must remain available to authorities. They are also required to report to law enforcement when instructed.

Their attorney, Wisani Monareng, claims the women were acting under coercion and were held against their will.

He confirmed that names of those allegedly responsible have been handed to investigators and that assistance from AfriForum has been sought.

The case has taken another twist with reports that an alleged mastermind, businessman Olu Oribuchi, attempted to hand himself over to police. However, he was reportedly advised against doing so while investigations are still ongoing.

Family members have welcomed the bail decision, citing Toko’s health as a key concern.

The case is far from over.

The two accused are expected back in court on 4 August 2026, while three other suspects linked to the same case are set to appear separately on 15 and 16 April 2026.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing and more developments could follow.

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During routine day to day operations, police made the first discovery of crystal meth worth R2.2 million at a cargo warehouse on Wednesday, 04 March 2026. The meth was destined for the Philippines from SA.

The second drug bust was made at another cargo warehouse where eight large boxes containing dagga worth R672 000 was discovered on Thursday, 05 March 2026. The dagga was shipped from Morocco and was destined to South Africa.

The drugs have been seized and investigations are still underway to track down the traffickers of these drugs.

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During the operation, officers recovered:

• A significant quantity of prescription cough syrup containing codeine (Schedule 5 controlled substance, not available over the counter)

• Processed dagga with an estimated street value of approximately R2 million

Investigations indicate that the seized narcotics were packaged and prepared for transport to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, using cross-border buses and light delivery vehicles operated by informal couriers, commonly known as “Malayisha.”

Eight suspects were apprehended on charges relating to possession and dealing in illicit drugs, as well as the illegal occupation of a hijacked property. Further inquiries revealed that tenants were paying rent into a bank account registered under an unknown name.

MMC for Public Safety, Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku, commended the officers involved, stating:

“This operation underscores our steadfast commitment to dismantling criminal syndicates exploiting hijacked properties for drug trafficking. Lawlessness in any form will not be tolerated in the City of Johannesburg. Additional raids are planned as investigations continue. The JMPD encourages members of the public with information regarding hijacked properties or drug-related activities to contact the JMPD at 011 758 9650.”

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The court granted preservation orders for a white Mercedes-Benz and a red Volkswagen Polo after finding that both cars had been modified and used to conceal and transport narcotics. The orders were issued under Section 38 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), allowing the vehicles to remain in state custody pending final forfeiture.

The decision follows two operations carried out in 2023 by the Provincial Organised Crime and Drug Task Team. In the first, police stopped a white Mercedes-Benz in the Bult area on January 6, 2023. A Nigerian national driving the vehicle was arrested after officers allegedly discovered drugs hidden inside the car.

In a separate case on May 5, 2023, along Promosa Road, the same task team intercepted a red VW Polo driven by another Nigerian national. Police again found drugs concealed within the vehicle, leading to another arrest and seizure.

Investigations later revealed that both vehicles had been deliberately altered to smuggle narcotics. Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Ryno Naidoo praised the police and the Asset Forfeiture Unit for their coordinated efforts, saying the ruling “sends a clear message that criminals will not be allowed to profit from their illegal activities.”

The two cars will remain impounded until the final forfeiture hearing, which could result in their permanent seizure by the state. Authorities say the move is part of a broader effort to dismantle organised drug networks in the North West province.

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The powerful aircraft carrier, capable of carrying up to 90 aircraft, marks a major expansion of US military presence in the region. The move comes after a series of American air strikes on vessels allegedly linked to drug trafficking.

US President Donald Trump has long accused Maduro of leading a drug-trafficking network—an allegation the Venezuelan leader strongly denies. Many in Venezuela fear that Washington’s growing military activity could be a prelude to efforts aimed at removing Maduro from power.

In his speech broadcast on state media, Maduro warned that the United States was seeking to ignite “a new eternal war.” He criticized the deployment, saying, “They promised they would never again get involved in a war, and they are fabricating one.”

According to the Pentagon, the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford is intended to “enhance and augment capabilities to disrupt narcotics trafficking and dismantle transnational criminal organizations.” However, analysts argue that such an enormous force is unnecessary for anti-drug operations and could be intended to intimidate Venezuela’s military leadership.

Reports also indicate that Trump is considering extending military action to target drug routes and facilities inside Venezuela. He recently stated that the US has already secured the sea and is now “looking at land.”

The US has also increased its air operations in the Caribbean and around Puerto Rico. Meanwhile, regional experts have questioned the legality of the strikes, warning they could escalate tensions across Latin America.

So far, at least 43 people have been killed in recent US-led strikes against suspected drug traffickers. Members of the US Congress from both parties have voiced concern over the president’s authority to conduct such attacks without congressional approval.

Legal experts say the situation could spark a constitutional crisis over the use of military force, as lawmakers push back against what they see as an overreach of presidential power.

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The agreement builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in March 2024 between President Bola Tinubu and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani. It focuses on closer cooperation to combat the trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and related chemicals.

Marwa praised the partnership as a strong commitment to tackling one of the world’s most serious threats to health and security. He revealed that the NDLEA had intercepted over 1,000 kilograms of illicit drugs — including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and cannabis — destined for Qatar in the last four years.

He also commended Qatar for its global peace-building and humanitarian initiatives, appealing to the Qatar Foundation to assist Nigeria with rehabilitation facilities for people struggling with drug addiction.

In response, Ambassador Al-Hajri promised to relay Marwa’s request to the Foundation and expressed satisfaction with the growing cooperation between both countries. He reaffirmed Qatar’s readiness to continue working with Nigeria in promoting stability, security, and shared prosperity.

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President Donald Trump described the boat as part of “violent drug trafficking cartels” and said the strike was necessary to protect American national security. He claimed the vessel was carrying large quantities of cocaine and fentanyl, though no independent evidence has yet been presented.

The attack comes only days after an earlier strike sank another boat, killing eleven people on board. That operation drew sharp criticism from legal experts, who questioned whether carrying out lethal action in international waters violated maritime and human rights laws.

In Venezuela, President Nicolás Maduro condemned the strikes as acts of aggression. He vowed that his country would defend itself fully, accusing the US of trying to provoke a larger conflict aimed at removing him from power. Venezuelan officials said the US had even seized a small fishing vessel for several hours, calling it an “illegal and hostile” action.

Relations between the two nations have deteriorated further since the disputed 2024 Venezuelan election, which Washington refused to recognize. The US has accused Maduro of overseeing a powerful drug cartel and placed a multi-million-dollar bounty on his capture, allegations he denies.

The latest escalation has heightened fears of a broader confrontation in the Caribbean. While the US insists its operations are targeted at narcotics trafficking, critics argue the strikes risk igniting a conflict with far-reaching consequences.

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The arrests were made as part of a week-long crime-fighting initiative known as Operation Shanela. The operation targeted high-risk areas across the province and involved coordinated raids, roadblocks, vehicle checks, stop-and-search operations, and compliance inspections at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, and informal businesses.

According to police officials, the operation began on Monday, 30 June and continued through to Sunday, 6 July. A total of 236 suspects were taken into custody, and a wide range of illegal items were seized.

In Kimberley, police acted on a tip-off and arrested a suspect in Lorato Park for selling dagga. Meanwhile, in Postmasburg, two men were arrested for possessing stolen copper cables worth an estimated R170,000.

The operation also led to the confiscation of large amounts of alcohol, drugs, dangerous weapons, firearms, and cash believed to be linked to criminal activities.

This intensive effort was led by senior officers and district commissioners, aiming to disrupt criminal networks and restore safety in the province.

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According to the Free State Policespokesperson Sergent Mahlomola Kareli it was on Thursday, 5 June 2025, at approximately 18:20, Vala Umgodi Pillar 3 members, acting on intelligence, identified and intercepted a white Toyota Quantum panel van travelling from Gauteng province en route to Cape Town.

The vehicle was tactically stopped by the Tactical Response Team (TRT) on the N1 highway near Kroonstad at approximately 18:50. The suspect initially refused to halt the vehicle, necessitating a strategic and controlled maneuver by the team to close off the panel van in busy traffic conditions on the N1.

Upon inspection of the vehicle, members they allegedly discovered 30 boxes filled with khat plants, with an estimated street value of R210,000, concealed in the back of the panel van.

The 43-year-old male driver was immediately arrested on charges related to the possession of suspected drugs and drug trafficking.

The 43-year-old is expected to appear in the Kroonstad Magistrate’s Court soon.

This is but one of many busts by Vala Umgodi initiative to combat organized crime and the illicit trade of drugs that pose a significant threat to our communities. Further investigations are underway to determine the origin and intended distribution network of the intercepted khat.

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According to the lejweleputswa Policespokesperson Sergent Palesa Thabana a well-coordinated waylay operation was conducted on the N1 near Ventersburg. The operation led to the interception of a truck traveling towards Cape Town.

Upon inspection, members of the Welkom K9 Unit allegedly discovered more than 6 600 bundles of Khat, a prohibited substance, concealed in the vehicle. The estimated street value of the confiscated drugs is approximately R198 900.

A 43-year-old foreign national was arrested at the scene for possession of drugs and dealing in drugs.

He is expected to appear in the Ventersburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday 5 May 2024.

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