A high-speed police pursuit on the N4 near Malelane in Mpumalanga has ended with the arrest of a driver and the seizure of about 336 kilograms of compressed dagga, with the haul estimated to be worth R2 million.
The incident happened on Saturday, 12 September 2026, after South African Police Service (SAPS) members spotted a white Toyota single-cab bakkie travelling at what officers considered an excessive speed.
The vehicle was reportedly fitted with a canopy and was travelling between Malelane and the Nkomazi Toll Plaza when it attracted the attention of officers conducting routine patrols along the national route.
Police said the driver ignored attempts to stop the vehicle and instead accelerated towards the toll plaza, triggering a pursuit.
The chase later continued beyond the toll gate and moved onto the R38 towards Low’s Creek.
Driver allegedly put other road users at risk
According to SAPS spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo, the pursuit became dangerous as the driver allegedly continued at high speed and drove recklessly.
Police allege that the bakkie travelled along the barrier line and forced other motorists to move off the road to avoid the vehicle.
The driver then allegedly passed through the Nkomazi Toll Plaza without stopping, prompting police to continue following the vehicle towards Low’s Creek.
Officers eventually managed to stop the bakkie and arrest the driver.
A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered numerous bags containing compressed dagga. Police said further checks established that the total weight of the suspected illegal drug was approximately 336kg.
The driver was taken into custody and a case of dealing in dagga was opened for further investigation.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 14 September, where the allegations against him will be formally addressed.
The arrest comes as police continue to target the movement of illegal drugs along major transport routes in Mpumalanga, a province that includes several important road corridors linking South Africa with neighbouring countries.
Police investigate source of major drug shipment
Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise commended the officers involved in the operation for their alertness and rapid response.
Police said the suspect’s alleged driving created a serious danger for other people using the N4, making the decision to pursue and stop the vehicle particularly important from a road-safety perspective.
Masondo said the operation demonstrated the commitment of SAPS members to disrupting drug-related criminal activity in the province.
The seizure of 336kg of dagga is expected to form a key part of the ongoing investigation, with detectives now working to establish where the consignment came from and where it was allegedly intended to go.
Police have not disclosed the identity of the arrested suspect or provided further details about whether additional arrests are expected.
The case remains under investigation, and the suspect remains innocent unless proven guilty in court.