Linked to Attempted Murder Case
CCN Reporting
DARLING:- A 30-year-old man from Malmesbury was arrested yesterday after a dramatic foot chase on the R315, following a tip-off to Darling police about a vehicle suspected of transporting drugs.
At approximately 09:00 on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, Darling SAPS members spotted a vehicle matching the description provided through intelligence. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver pulled over but fled on foot towards a nearby farm. Police gave chase and successfully apprehended the suspect a short distance away.
A search of the man revealed 504 Mandrax (methaqualone) tablets and 19 straws of tik (crystal methamphetamine), both Schedule 5 controlled substances commonly linked to street-level dealing in the region.
During processing at the station, officers discovered that the suspect is wanted in connection with an ongoing attempted murder investigation in Malmesbury. No further details on the attempted murder case were released at this time, as investigations continue.
The suspect was formally arrested on charges of dealing in drugs. He is expected to appear in the Malmesbury Magistrate’s Court today, Thursday, 29 January 2026, where additional charges related to the attempted murder may be added pending further evidence.
SAPS Western Cape has highlighted the arrest under the hashtag #DrugsOffTheStreets, emphasizing community tip-offs and proactive policing in curbing drug trafficking along key routes like the R315.
This incident underscores ongoing concerns about drug distribution networks linking Malmesbury, Darling, and surrounding areas in the Swartland and West Coast regions.
Local residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity anonymously to Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or via SAPS channels.
