Zimbabwean Man and Three Women Arrested After Police Bust Mandrax Lab Near Hartbeespoort
- Police arrested a Zimbabwean man and three women following an intelligence-driven raid on an alleged Mandrax lab near Hartbeespoort
- Forensic investigators seized processed drugs, manufacturing equipment, a rifle, three handguns, and ammunition from the facility in Scheerpoort, North West
- South Africans weighed in on the raid and arrests, noting that these busts were more frequent after senior officers were suspended or fired
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Source: Twitter
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online journalism.
NORTH WEST — Four people have been arrested after police uncovered an alleged multimillion-rand Mandrax manufacturing laboratory in Scheerpoort, near Hartbeespoort, in the North West province.
The suspects are a 39-year-old Zimbabwean man and three women, between 23 and 29 years old. Their nationalities have not yet been confirmed.
The lab was dismantled following an intelligence-driven raid on Tuesday, 6 October 2025.
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Drugs and firearms seized at Scheerpoort facility
Forensic investigators in protective hazmat suits were photographed examining the premises following the operation. Among the items recovered were processed drugs, manufacturing equipment, raw mixture used in production, a rifle, three handguns, and a quantity of ammunition. Photos circulating on social media showed the seized firearms and tablets laid out on a table.
The total street value of the narcotics recovered had not yet been determined at the time of reporting.
The four suspects are expected to appear before the Brits Magistrate's Court to face charges that include dealing in and manufacturing illegal substances, as well as possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
South Africans respond to the arrests
The news drew considerable reaction online, with many users linking the bust to recent high-profile dismissals within the South African Police Service.
@MaSwaziiie wrote:
"Ever since the big two are no longer in service, we are seeing great successes. Well done SAPS."
@DontCareMabuza added:
"Notice how these labs are being exposed lately. Especially when those corrupt cops are dismissed or in jail."
@julste111 questioned:
"Khan and Sibiya can't help them anymore. So who are the current and new rogues?"
@Mashukumbeya_P suggested:
"They're probably getting these locations from Khan's confiscated phones"
@mpumelelo181244 called for a broader crackdown, writing:
"If they can raid all the farms from Hartbeespoort on R511 to Brits, including Brits, they will make the biggest breakthrough."
Other stories about major drug busts
Briefly News reported that there have been several major drug busts across the country.
- In December 2024, drugs worth R86 million were seized at a Durban warehouse.
- A Gauteng man was nabbed with R50 million worth of crystal meth in the Eastern Cape in March 2025.
- In October 2025, police in Durban arrested a 51-year-old and seized drugs worth over R1 million.
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Source: Briefly News
