By Priya Ranchod
A 35-year-old man was arrested in Tembisa after members of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Community Liaison Unit acted on intelligence linking him to alleged drug dealing near a local secondary school.
The operation followed reports from concerned community members about increasing gangsterism and criminal activity involving learners. Information received by the EMPD indicated that the suspect was allegedly selling drugs to learners at a well known secondary school in the area.
According to EMPD spokesperson Chief Superintendent Kelebogile Thepa, officers immediately acted on the intelligence and launched an operation that led to the suspect's arrest.
During the operation, officers recovered dagga with an estimated street value of R680, along with R135 in cash believed to be proceeds from suspected drug sales. An army style shirt was also found in the suspect's possession, resulting in an additional allegation of impersonating a soldier.
In a related development, officers discovered a panga in the possession of a teenage learner who is allegedly involved in selling drugs to fellow learners. The weapon was confiscated and booked into evidence at the Tembisa Police Station. The learner was later released into the care of a parent by members of the South African Police Service.
The primary suspect was detained at the Tembisa Police Station and is expected to appear in the relevant Magistrate's Court soon.
The operation highlights the continued efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat drug related crime and ensure the safety of learners within school communities.
