Hawks secure vehicle preservation order in dagga case

The Hawks have secured a preservation order in the Mpumalanga High Court against a vehicle allegedly used to transport 59 parcels of dagga hidden in secret compartments while being driven from Mahamba to Pietermaritzburg.

The black Opel Corsa Utility, valued at approximately R100,000, was intercepted by law enforcement officials during crime prevention duties on August 9, 2026, at about 6.30pm.

Hawks provincial spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi said the preservation order was granted by the high court on Monday, November 2, following an investigation into a case of dealing in dagga.

The vehicle was driven by an adult Swazi national, Wandile Mkhathswa, who was its sole occupant.

According to the Hawks, police requested permission to search the vehicle, which was voluntarily granted.

During the search, officers detected a strong smell of dagga.

A subsequent inspection led to the discovery of 59 parcels of dagga wrapped in black and transparent plastic and concealed in sophisticated secret compartments on both sides of the vehicle's body structure.

Mkhathswa allegedly admitted ownership of the dagga and told police that he was transporting it to Pietermaritzburg for distribution and sale.

He was arrested for dealing in dagga, while the drugs and vehicle were seized for evidential purposes and subjected to further investigation and forensic examination.

The Hawks' Priority Crime Specialised Investigation Asset Investigation team, working with the National Prosecuting Authority's Asset Forfeiture Unit, secured the preservation order.

Mpumalanga Hawks provincial head Major General Nico Gerber commended the investigators and prosecutors, saying the order demonstrated the authorities' commitment to targeting assets used to facilitate criminal activities.

He warned that those involved in illicit activities would face criminal prosecution as well as the forfeiture of assets connected to their alleged offences.