SA Police Arrest Two Zimbabweans With Drug Consignment Worth R1.2 Million Destined For Zimbabwe

South African Police Nab Zimbabweans With R1.2 Million Drug Haul

South African police have arrested two Zimbabwean nationals found with a massive drug consignment valued at R1.2 million (approx. US$68,000). The haul was discovered in their truck during a routine stop on a major highway near the border. The suspects stated the drugs were destined for Zimbabwe.

According to The South African, the arrest occurred on the evening of 4 December 2025. Officers were on a routine crime-prevention patrol on the N2 highway near Mahamba in Mpumalanga when they stopped the truck. A search revealed six large bags of compressed dagga, also known as marijuana.

The police seized 200kg of the drug. The two men, identified as Tinashe Chitsamba (40) and Oscar Mutsetemari (45), were subsequently arrested. The men were charged with dealing in dagga and for being in South Africa illegally. The truck was also impounded.

When questioned, the suspects allegedly told police they were travelling from Empangeni and were en route to Zimbabwe. They reportedly loaded the dagga at Tshelejuba in KwaZulu-Natal. The pair appeared before the Mkhondo Magistrate’s Court and were remanded in custody. They are scheduled to return to court on 28 January 2026.

A Major Bust In Harare Signals A New Crackdown

This cross-border interception follows a significant domestic drug bust in Zimbabwe just weeks earlier. On 17 October 2025, the Zimbabwe Republic Police conducted a midnight raid in the Aspindale suburb of Harare. Nine individuals were arrested, and a large consignment of narcotics was seized. The police provided a detailed inventory of the confiscated items.

“300 kilogrammes of dagga packaged in various plastics and food stuffs, which include Zapnax, 3 120 bottles of Astra Pain and 4 600 bottles of Broncleer Cough Syrup. The drugs and substances are worth USD 68 000.00 (approx. R1.24 million).”

In addition to the drugs, police impounded three vehicles: a Nissan Caravan, a Kombi, and a Honda Fit. The police statement concluded with a firm declaration of their ongoing campaign.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that there is no going back in the fight against drug and substance trafficking and peddling in the country.”