SASOLBURG – Drug dealers in the Fezile Dabi District are running out of places to hide as the Welkom Anti-Gang Unit Section C2 intensifies its crackdown under the ongoing high-visibility disruptive initiative, Operation Shanela II. A series of coordinated tactical interventions in the region has led to multiple arrests and the seizure of substantial quantities of illicit substances.
The unit’s first major breakthrough occurred during routine patrols in the Angola Section of Zamdela. Officers noticed suspicious activity at a local residence and set up a tight observation post.
At approximately 21:00, the team tactically breached the premises. A 49-year-old male suspect attempted to flee the scene but was swiftly cornered and apprehended by alert officers. A thorough search of both the suspect and the property uncovered a stash of Nyaope, Mandrax, and Crystal Meth, along with an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect faces charges of dealing in and possession of drugs.
The crackdown continued in Zamdela’s Extension 3 after community members alerted authorities to frequent foot traffic and suspected drug sales at a local home.
Acting swiftly on the tip-off, the tactical team monitored the residence before closing in. Officers caught two male suspects red-handed in the middle of a drug transaction.
A search of the premises resulted in the confiscation of Crystal Meth and an undisclosed sum of cash. Both suspects were taken into custody.
While finalizing documentation for the Zamdela arrests, the unit received a hot lead about a drug shipment moving through Acacia Passage, located behind the ZIO complex.
Officers quickly mobilized and set up an ambush at the location. At around 17:30, a silver Honda matching the intelligence description arrived at the scene. When officers tactically approached the vehicle, the driver slammed on the gas and sped off.
The high-speed escape attempt ended abruptly on Harrismith Road, where the driver lost control on a sharp curve and crashed heavily into a tree, leaving the vehicle severely damaged. Two foreign national suspects, both aged 39, climbed out of the wreckage and tried to flee on foot, but were quickly surrounded and arrested by the pursuing unit.
Police investigations into all three incidents are ongoing as Operation Shanela II continues to squeeze illicit networks across the province.
According to the Free State police spokesperson, Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli, police seized drugs found in their personal possession and further uncovered additional drugs hidden under the vehicle’s dashboard, along with Mandrax, Crystal Meth, and cash.
Both suspects were arrested for drug possession, with additional charges of reckless and negligent driving.
“Taxi Rank near ZIO Complex, Zamdela: On Monday, 03 August 2026, members patrolling the taxi rank near the ZIO complex noticed suspicious activity and intercepted two males, aged 42 and 44, who were actively selling drugs. A search yielded Crystal Meth, Nyaope, and cash, leading to their immediate arrest.”
“While at the taxi rank, officers received secondary intelligence concerning foreign nationals operating a drug den at a residence in Sasolburg. The team promptly proceeded to the address, where a targeted search of a room led to the recovery of Crystal Meth, Mandrax, and an undisclosed amount of cash. Two foreign national suspects, aged 33 and 35, were taken into custody.
“All arrested suspects are expected to appear in the local Magistrate’s Court soon to face charges ranging from dealing in drugs, possession of drugs, and reckless and negligent driving,” said Kareli.
