Two Zimbabwean nationals, Tinashe Chitsamba (40) and Oscar Mutsetemari (45), appeared before the Mkhondo Magistrate’s Court for dealing in dagga.
The suspects were arrested on 4 December 2025 at about 20:35 on the N2 near Mahamba in Mpumalanga.
Police stop truck during routine patrols
Officers in Mahamba were conducting routine crime-prevention patrols along the N2 when they stopped a truck carrying the two men. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of six large bags of compressed dagga at the back of the truck.
Suspects claim they were transporting dagga to Zimbabwe
When questioned, the suspects allegedly said they were travelling from Empangeni and were en route to Zimbabwe. They reportedly loaded the dagga at Tshelejuba, on the eastern side of Mahamba, in KwaZulu-Natal.
Dagga worth R1.2m seized
The duo were arrested for dealing in marijuana and for being in South Africa illegally. Police seized 200kg of dagga, valued at approximately R1.2 million, along with the truck, which will form part of the ongoing investigation.
Chitsamba and Mutsetemari have since appeared in court and were remanded in custody. They are scheduled to return to court on 28 January 2026 as investigations continue.
