PARYS – A strategic operational shift by the South African Police Service (SAPS) Welkom Anti-Gang Unit (Section C2) led to the arrest of two male suspects for drug peddling in Tumahole, Parys, on Thursday, 23 July 2026.
The specialised unit was initially deployed in Deneysville but quickly redirected its operational focus to Parys to intensify crime-combating duties.
During a routine patrol near a local scrapyard in the Tumahole industrial area, vigilant officers spotted a group of men gathered under a tree. As the tactical team discreetly approached to conduct a search, the suspects scattered and fled on foot in different directions.
Officers pursued one suspect who ran toward the Tokoloho Section. The foot chase concluded inside the Tokoloho Cemetery, where police successfully cornered and apprehended him. A subsequent search revealed a stash of Nyaope concealed inside his shoes, along with an undisclosed amount of cash. He was immediately taken into custody.
Maintaining momentum, the anti-gang officers returned to the vicinity of the scrapyard. There, they caught a second suspect, a 34-year-old male, actively selling drugs to local buyers.
The suspect attempted to evade the perimeter by running toward the Tokoloho area. However, officers anticipated his route and cornered him near a residential house. Police found him in possession of Nyaope, Mandrax tablets, and an undisclosed sum of cash.
“As officers discreetly approached to conduct a search, the suspects fled on foot in different directions. Members pursued one suspect running towards the Tokoloho Section and successfully apprehended him inside the Tokoloho Cemetery. Upon searching the suspect, police discovered a stash of Nyaope concealed inside his shoes, along with an undisclosed amount of cash. He was immediately taken into custody,” said Free State police spokesperson, Sgt Mahlomola Kareli.
Both individuals face criminal charges for the possession of and dealing in illicit substances. They are expected to make their first appearance in the Parys Magistrate’s Court shortly.
