Three suspected drug dealers were arrested in Mabopane and Pretoria North on Friday, 29 May 2026. However, Mabopane residents say the arrests have not yet brought relief, as drug activity continues to disrupt daily life in the community.
The Tshwane Metro Police Department’s (TMPD) Drug Unit conducted an undercover operation in Mabopane on Friday morning. Two women were arrested after officers found them in possession of CAT, a dangerous street drug also known as methcathinone.
During the same operation, officers received a tip-off about a man allegedly selling crystal meth in Pretoria North. He was arrested after police found him in possession of crystal methamphetamine.
All three suspects remain in custody at their respective local police stations and are expected to appear in court soon on charges of possession and dealing in drugs. Police said the arrests form part of ongoing efforts to eliminate drugs in the City of Tshwane and urged residents to continue reporting suspicious activity.
Despite welcoming the arrests, Mabopane residents said drug activity remains a daily problem in the area. They believe the issue extends beyond three individuals and requires broader intervention. While encouraged by the police action, residents stressed that more needs to be done.
Community members expressed appreciation for law enforcement efforts, saying operations like Friday’s provide hope that authorities are taking their concerns seriously.
Residents’ primary concern is the impact of drugs on young people. They said substance abuse is destroying the youth and fear for the future of children in the area if dealing continues unchecked. The community believes protecting young people must remain a priority in the fight against drugs.
While acknowledging that every arrest counts, residents called for sustained and expanded operations to remove more dealers from the streets. They urged authorities to increase police visibility and maintain a consistent presence to ensure safer neighbourhoods for families and children.
Police have encouraged the community to work alongside law enforcement in combating drug-related crime. Residents can report information anonymously at their nearest police station.
