A Nigerian national was arrested by the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) Drug Unit in Atterbury on Saturday, 30 May 2026, on charges of possession and dealing in drugs, bribery, and alleged contravention of the Immigration Act
According to information released by the TMPD Communication Unit, Drug Unit officers were conducting routine patrols in the area when they noticed suspicious activity involving the suspect.
Police approached the individual and conducted a search, during which drugs were allegedly found in his possession. The suspect was later arrested.
The arrest took a further turn when the suspect allegedly tried to bribe the officers to avoid being taken into custody. As a result, an added charge of bribery was added to the case.
The suspect is currently being detained at a local police station and is expected to appear in court soon.
TMPD Chief of Police Commissioner YCR Faro commended the officers involved in the operation, praising their professionalism and commitment to enforcing the law and ensuring the safety of Tshwane residents.
The arrest has brought worry among community members about the ongoing issues of drugs and crime in the city.
Laudium resident Kayla Adams welcomed the arrest, saying drug-related crime continues to affect many communities.
“We need law enforcement to remain visible because drugs destroy families and expose young people to crime. Arrests like this show that police are doing their work,” he said.
Another resident, Lerato Kekana, said authorities should continue targeting drug dealers running across Tshwane.
“People want safer neighbourhoods. If there are individuals involved in drug trafficking, they must face the consequences of the law,” she said.
Laudium resident Sipho Makhubele said cooperation between residents and law enforcement stays important.
“Police cannot fight crime alone. Communities must continue reporting suspicious activities so that criminals can be removed from our streets,” he said.
The arrest comes as law enforcement agencies continue efforts to curb drug-related crime across Tshwane.
Efforts were made to obtain additional comment from the TMPD spokesperson on the details of the arrest, the type and quantity of drugs recovered, and recent drug-related crime trends in the area. However, no response had been received.