ZIMBABWEAN MAN AND THREE WOMEN ARRESTED AS POLICE UNCOVER SUSPECTED DRUG LAB NEAR HARTBEESPOORT
A rifle, three handguns and suspected drug-manufacturing equipment were seized during an intelligence-driven operation at a Skeerpoort property on Tuesday.
HARTBEESPOORT, 6 October 2026 | A 39-year-old Zimbabwean man and three women aged between 23 and 29 have been arrested after police uncovered a suspected drug laboratory at a plot in Skeerpoort, near Hartbeespoort.
MDNtv was on the scene following the operation, which also led to the seizure of four firearms: a rifle and three handguns.
The arrests followed a tip-off received by Hartbeespoortdam SAPS Crime Prevention members about suspected illegal activities at the property. The information was shared with Brits Crime Intelligence and the Hartbeespoortdam K9 unit for further investigation and verification.
Officers arrived at the premises on Tuesday morning and found the four suspects. During a search, they discovered what appeared to be a drug laboratory containing substances described by police as processed drugs, a drug production mixture and equipment allegedly used to manufacture drugs.
Images from the scene show firearms and ammunition on a table, personnel wearing protective suits and masks, and piles of material spread across plastic sheeting inside a tiled room. Metal trays and equipment are also visible.
The identity and quantity of the substances have not been detailed in the police statement. Investigators are still determining the value of the seized drugs.
The four suspects face charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, as well as dealing in and manufacturing drugs. The women’s nationalities were not disclosed.
They are expected to appear before the Brits Magistrate’s Court. An appearance date has not yet been announced.
North West Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams attended the scene and commended the officers for their swift response and collaboration. He said police remained committed to dismantling organised crime syndicates involved in drug manufacturing and distribution.
Investigations are continuing. All four suspects remain presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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