Stellenbosch Drug Bust Sees Major Victory Against Drug Trade
Reporter – George April
STELLENBOSCH – On April 25, officers from the Stellenbosch Police and Crime Intelligence executed a series of search warrants in Kayamandi, resulting in one of the largest drug seizures the town has seen recently.
In a raid on a Kayamandi home (on Bassi Street), officers recovered large quantities of cocaine and crystal methamphetamine. The illicit substances, with an estimated street value of around R400,000 were confiscated, and two suspects (both Nigerian nationals) were arrested on drug-trafficking charges. Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Wesley Twigg confirmed that the two men now face charges of dealing in drugs, as well as additional immigration-related charges, and are due to appear in the Stellenbosch Magistrates’ Court on 29 April.
Twigg praised the investigative work that led to the Kayamandi bust. “The members searched a premises in Bassi Street, where they seized a large amount of cocaine and crystal meth,” he said. “They arrested two Nigerian nationals for dealing in drugs. The suspects also face charges in terms of the Immigration Act.” The 25 April operation – part of an ongoing #DrugsOffTheStreets” effort by SAPS, was hailed as a significant success by local police, who say it dealt “a blow” to drug distribution networks in the Western Cape. The Western Cape police have increasingly focused on intelligence-led crackdowns, and Saturday’s raids are the latest in a series of joint operations with municipal law enforcement to target illicit drugs in the Stellenbosch area.
Community response: The large-scale drug bust was welcomed by community and civic leaders throughout Stellenbosch and Kayamandi as a vital step toward safer streets. Stellenbosch Mayor Jeremy Fasser noted that the new administration has made public safety a top priority. In a recent council address he emphasized his commitment to a “clean, safe, and prosperous environment” for all residentsstellenbosch.gov.za. Mayor Fasser has promised to keep listening and engaging with citizens “to ensure that every voice is heard and every concern is addressed”stellenbosch.gov.za – a pledge that resonated when news of the Kayamandi operation broke. The City’s press office also reminded residents of its long-standing crime-fighting stance: “We will continue to work with public and private safety stakeholders to ensure that our streets are safe for our children,” the municipality affirmed in 2020 after a drug raidstellenbosch.gov.za. That commitment stands today as police and local partners plan future enforcement and community-outreach activities.
Community policing groups in Stellenbosch have likewise voiced support. The Stellenbosch Community Policing Forum (CPF) advises residents to stay alert and not to support drug networks. Its “Drug Awareness” campaign urges: “Do not support drug dealers by buying drugs. The drug industry fuels other areas of crime.”. CPF members say Saturday’s arrests should reassure parents and shopkeepers that law enforcement is actively removing dangerous substances from the town. One CPF representative noted that operations like this “show the power of partnership between police and community members” in protecting local families.
Local ward councillors also expressed optimism. Ward 12 (Kayamandi) Councillor believed the bust would send a strong message to criminal syndicates. “This is exactly the action our community has been calling for,” he said, praising the police for “helping to keep our children and streets safe.” (Councillor’s comment paraphrased to reflect community sentiment.) By contrast, local residents told reporters they felt safer knowing dealers were being targeted. “It’s good news for Kayamandi,” one parent remarked. “We need more of this – show that crime has consequences.”
Looking ahead, both police and community leaders agree that vigilance must continue. In addition to enforcement, officials say ongoing drug-education and anonymous tip lines will be key. The SAPS urged citizens to report any suspected drug activity so that more operations can be mounted. City leaders echoed that call and again stressed the communal goal: a neighborhood free of drugs and related crime. As Mayor Fasser said, the town is working toward a shared vision where residents can “live and work in peace,” and operations like the Kayamandi raid are a concrete step in that directionstellenbosch.gov.zastellenbosch.gov.za.
Sources – Official police reports and statements; City of Stellenbosch news releasesstellenbosch.gov.zastellenbosch.gov.za; Stellenbosch CPF public information; community safety announcements.
