Krugersdorp drug lab bust: 5 arrested as analyst warns kingpins remain protected

Office vacancies drop to six-year low, but recovery not consistent across SA

Discovery Green and Sasol strike renewable energy sponsorship deal for Kruger National Park

Direct marketers 'on board' with spam opt-out registry, says DMASA

A senior organised-crime researcher says suspects arrested at drug labs are frontrunners for well-connected kingpins.

Five people were arrested in Krugersdorp on Thursday morning, where police uncovered a multimillion-rand Mandrax lab.

Hawks investigate potential links between 11 drug labs discovered across SA

Researcher suggests mandrax labs producing drug for local market

SA emerging as global drug-production hub for export says GI-TOC

The suspects, South African men aged between 25 and 45, are among 30 people arrested across 11 drug labs found in the country this year.

In the latest discovery on Thursday, the drug lab is a stone’s throw from the Sterkfontein Caves tourist site.

Behind the mesh-covered gate is a double-storey brick house, and behind that is a warehouse containing equipment worth over R100 million.

Chemical powdered substances lay around the facility in various stages of production, while bulk packages lay near a forklift, ready for export.

Analyst Michael McLaggan, from the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime, said the suspects were likely at the operational end of a chain of command.

“You will find that the kingpin very often is not involved in the predicate offences, so they are more difficult to pin down,” McLaggan said. Added to this is the fact that there is, unfortunately, a lot of corruption in South Africa, and you see an ability of criminals to compromise law enforcement.

So when you have operations like these, it is very likely that someone will have some sort of a relationship with someone in the state, and where these relationships exist, there is more scope for interfering or preventing investigations further up the chain to the kingpin.”

The Hawks confirmed 11 drug-production facilities were found across the country this year, with more than 30 suspects arrested.

Gauteng Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni said the operation targeted major international syndicates.

“It is something that is a major international transit. In other words, it’s taken to different countries,” Mthombeni said. “I will not mention the countries.”

Research by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime indicates Mandrax may be sold on local markets, while other drugs, including cocaine and meth, may be exported to countries in Europe, among others.

Never miss a major story. Get breaking news and the latest developments from South Africa and beyond as they happen.

Take a look at the topic timeline for all related articles.

4 hours ago4 hours ago6 hours ago6 hours ago8 hours ago9 hours ago11 hours ago11 hours ago12 hours ago12 hours ago13 hours agoMore in Local8 October 2026 17:43

The day that was: Cars torched in Durban CBD, another Mandrax lab bust & Charlotte Maxeke Hospital repairs under scrutiny

Tensions high in Soweto as residents storm foreign-owned spaza shop

Tensions calm in Durban CBD following violent protests and looting