Thokozile Mnguni
Thirteen accused, including foreign nationals, appeared in the Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court today, with the matter postponed to 12 June 2026 for bail proceedings, interpretation arrangements, and verification of immigration status.
The group faces charges linked to alleged drug manufacturing, unlawful possession of hazardous chemicals, and illegal possession of precious metals.
Among the accused are farm owners who later handed themselves over to authorities and were subsequently charged alongside the rest of the group after their initial court appearance.
A formal bail application for some of the accused was postponed due to diary clashes, with the matter now set down for June.
Preliminary information indicates that several of the accused are undocumented migrants, and they have also been charged under the Immigration Act.