MRM applauds arrest of six in Makapanstad drug bust

The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West has welcomed the arrest of six suspects following the discovery of drugs valued at millions of rands at a clandestine laboratory in Makapanstad.

The civil society movement, which promotes the Positive Values Charter, on Tuesday, said the breakthrough highlights a troubling trend of drug syndicates shifting operations from urban centers to rural communities, believing they are less likely to be detected.

Pastor Lesiba Kgwele, convenor of the MRM Interim Committee, described the Thulwe village laboratory, located north of Maubane, as a “massive operation” supplying drugs that are destroying the futures and lives of mostly young people.

“While we are encouraged that there still exists capacity within the SAPS to mount such thorough investigations, we can only truly celebrate when follow-up investigations lead to the arrest of the masterminds behind this cartel, which operates with sophisticated logistics to move the drugs around,” Pastor Kgwele said.

Colonel Katlego Mogale, spokesperson for the Hawks, confirmed that members of the Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in the Western Cape tracked a suspect linked to another drug case. This investigation ultimately led officers to the small holding in Thulwe.

Pastor Kgwele emphasised the devastating impact of drug abuse on families. He said households with addicted family members experience immeasurable pain, watching their loved ones deteriorate under the grip of substance abuse.

He called for a united approach to tackle the issue, urging communities to work together to reclaim Ubuntu and address moral decay. “There is an urgent need for collaboration to establish value-driven communities and intensify efforts to rid our areas of drugs, which are contributing to senseless violent crimes, gender-based violence, and femicide,” he said.

The MRM said it would continue to monitor the case and support initiatives aimed at creating safer, drug-free communities in the North West.