Prison warden busted with drugs worth R15 000

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A 58-year-old prison warden was arrested with several substances believed to be drugs including 93 tables and three sachets estimated at R15 000 in street value.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said Nala Abraham Fenyane was on his post at Paxton correctional centre in Witbank when he was unexpectedly visited by his supervisor at the facility’s main gate.

“The supervisor became suspicious when observing the member’s bag fully loaded. The supervisor conducted preliminary investigation which resulted in the arrest of the prison warden on the spot.

“He was later released on R3 000 bail at the police station where he was ordered to appear in Emalahleni magistrate’s court on Monday 20.

“His bail was extended and is expected to make his second appearance on the same court on Monday 27 November 2023,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Middelburg flying squad members arrested two security officials for armed robbery, malicious damage to property and assault in Middelburg on Tuesday.

According to Brig Mohlala, the arrest emanates from an incident that was reported in the area on Friday where the victim alleged that he was hitchhiking when the security officials approached him.

“The victim said he was busy on the phone when they started talking to him. He alleged that he concentrated on his phone, but the security personnel started to assault him.

‘When he responded, he alleged that he was forced into their vehicle, but he refused. The suspects then took his bag which contained money amongst other items. His sunglasses were also damaged.

“He went to the police station to report the incident. His empty bag was found dumped at a different location.

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Mohlala stated that on Tuesday, the victim spotted the vehicle that was used during the commission of crime. He immediately notified our members who were on patrol.

He added; “The vehicle with four occupants was intercepted and two of the occupants were positively identified by the victim.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that part of their mandate was to protect taxi owners and not to patrol hitchhikers. When the vehicle was searched, three assault rifles and 90 live rounds of ammunition were seized.”

The identified suspects, aged 37 and 47, were arrested and will appear before Middelburg magistrate’s court today.