Three suspected drug dealers will appear at the Virginia and Welkom Magistrates’ Court on Friday (7/6) for bail application.

They made their first court appearances on Friday (31/5) after they were arrested on separate incidents on National Election Day.

 Election Day took place on Wednesday, 29 May and citizens of South Africa went out in numbers to cast their ballots.

“The gang unit received information of two suspects dealing in drugs near the Welkom High School, which was one of the voting stations in Welkom,” said Free State police spokesperson Stephen Thakeng.

Welkom alleged drug dealers, with drugs and money, found on them. Picture: SAPS

“The voting station was approached around midday and just in front of the High School in full view of voters standing in a queue, the suspected dealers were arrested.”

“A male and a female suspect were arrested for dealing and being in possession of drugs, on the male (29) six full mandrax tablets, eight packets of crushed mandrax, one packet of crystal meth, and cash more than R100 were found, and seized,” said Thakeng.

“Illegal immigration was added as the male suspect did not have valid documents to be in the country. And on the female (29) a small packet, a large packet of crystal meth, and cash that amounts to R1600 were found and seized.”

Foreign national arrested for possession of drugs in Virginia CBD. Picture: SAPS

Voters praised the SAPS officers for their excellent work, particularly for the arrests of drug dealers.

Later in the afternoon, a foreign national was arrested in Virginia for dealing with drugs, and on him, he had 26 packets of Crystal meth which weighed 13.5 grams.

Meanwhile, more than 894 law offenders were arrested with Operation Shanela from Sunday, 26 May till Wednesday (5/6). 133 suspects were arrested for assault, 11 for rape, 7 for murder and 9 for attempted murder.

Suspect arrested during Operation Shanela operations. Picture: SAPS

And 124 people were arrested during operation "Vala Umgodi" for contravention of the Immigration Act and others were found with gold-bearing material.

“Operations are continuing throughout the province and countrywide, community members are urged to continue providing information on crimes taking place and to work with police to identify possible suspects,” said Free State police spokesperson Mahlomola Kareli.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame