Hawks Bust Nigerian Drug Kingpin Linked to R4.5 Million Cocaine Bust at OR Tambo

• The Hawks arrested a 56-year-old Nigerian national in Kempton Park on 13 August 2026 in connection with a drug trafficking and human trafficking case
• Five South African women were caught with 11.40kg of cocaine at OR Tambo International Airport in March 2026 while allegedly heading to Japan
• The suspect is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate Court on 17 August 2026 to face charges under two separate Acts

KEMPTON PARK — The Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit based on the East Rand has arrested a 56-year-old Nigerian national on charges of drug trafficking and contravention of human trafficking legislation, following a months-long investigation into a cocaine smuggling syndicate operating out of Kempton Park.

The arrest took place on Thursday, 13 August 2026, after investigators tracked the suspect to a lodge in Kempton Park. He faces charges under the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act 140 of 1992 and the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act 7 of 2013.

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5 women arrested at OR Tambo in March

The investigation traces back to March 2026, when five South African women were intercepted at OR Tambo International Airport before boarding a flight to Japan. The women, identified as Zodwa Patience Mthombeni, Nomagcisa Dayimane, Precious Nemukondeni Mulweli, Thule Shikwambane and Vuyokazi Toko, were found in possession of 11.40kg of cocaine with an estimated street value of R4.5 million.

Subsequent investigations revealed that the five women had been recruited as drug mules by a Nigerian national residing in Kempton Park. That trail ultimately led Hawks investigators to the lodge where the suspect was apprehended.

The accused is expected to make his first court appearance before the Kempton Park Magistrate Court on Monday, 17 August 2026.

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Nigerian man arrested for drugs in Durban

In another incident, a Nigerian man was arrested after police recovered drugs, cash and drug-manufacturing equipment worth more than R440 000 during an operation in Durban on Wednesday evening, 3 June 2026. According to police, the suspect was arrested in Lamontville after officers allegedly found him in possession of cocaine. Authorities believe he is linked to drug-dealing activities in several areas, including Lamontville, Umlazi, Chatsworth and Umbilo.

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Man arrested with R250,000 worth of drugs

Briefly News also reported that a 57-year-old Nigerian national was arrested in Matafeni near Nelspruit after police seized cocaine valued at an estimated R250,000 during an intelligence-driven operation. Officers found the suspect inside the house and presented him with a search warrant before searching the premises. During the operation, police recovered and seized cocaine with an estimated street value of R250,000 for forensic analysis.

Source: Briefly News