Gauteng Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela has lauded the exemplary conduct displayed by members of Sedibeng K9 Unit who on the morning of Christmas Eve, arrested three suspects in Heidelberg for dealing in and possession of drugs, and then refused a bribe offered by the suspects who were allegedly negotiating not to be arrested.
The members were operating on a tip-off about drugs at a specific address. It is alleged that on arrival at the address, police forced open the door of the house after the occupants would not open; and found inside the house three men and a woman. The members confiscated heroin worth an estimated value of over R1,3 million while some of the heroin was packaged in over 300 packs valued at an estimated R16 000.
The three men were arrested while the woman was able to escape, evading arrest. A search is underway to trace and arrest the female suspect.
The management of the SAPS in Gauteng has since learned with shock that the woman sought by police, is actually a member working at Heidelberg police station after her full SAPS uniform was found in the house with her appointment certificate.
The three suspects, two Nigerians and one South African have been charged with dealing in and possession of drugs, as well as bribery. They will appear before Court in due course.
Members of the public are encouraged to continue providing police with valuable information as the SAPS strives to eradicate the proliferation of drugs from the streets of Gauteng, as well as in dealing effectively with all forms of crime.