R1 billion crystal meth bust: 2 SA men join 3 Mexicans in jail

THE bail application for two of five suspects linked to a R2 billion clandestine drug laboratory in Limpopo has been denied in the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court.

Gonzales Jorge Partida, 51, Gutierrez Lopes, 43, Melvin Khumalo, 34, Roelof Botha, 57, and Rodriguez Ruban Vidan, 44, appeared before the court charged with manufacturing, dealing and possession of drugs.

Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, Limpopo regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), said the group of men also face charges money laundering.

The NPA previously stated that two of the five accused – Botha and Khumalo, both South African nationals – were seeking bail after their co-accused, who are Mexican nationals, had abandoned the bid for freedom.

“The arrests were made on July 19, 2024 at a farm owned by accused Roelof Botha in Loskop South, Thaba e Monate, Groblersdal. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) acted on intelligence-driven operations regarding illegal activities at the farm,” said Malabi-Dzhangi.

The police operation uncovered vast quantities of chemicals used for drug manufacturing, along with a large clandestine laboratory.

Malabi-Dzhangi said police seized 408.95kg of methamphetamine, commonly referred to as crystal meth, with a value estimated at R1 billion.

“During bail proceedings, Botha claimed that the co-accused were renting his farm but failed to produce a lease agreement with the Mexican nationals. Khumalo stated in his affidavit that he was merely performing his duties as a transporter, claiming he had been hired to deliver food and chemicals,” said Malabi-Dzhangi.

However, the investigating officer in the case opposed the two men’s bail applications.

“He testified that Khumalo told the police officers that he is delivering chemicals and bringing groceries for the Mexicans. He further said that there was public outcry about the severe nature of the crimes,” said Malabi-Dzhangi.

The investigating officer concluded by submitting that the State had a strong case against the accused persons and if they were released there was likelihood that they may evade trial.

The State submitted to the court that the bail applicants had failed to discharge the onus resting upon them to prove that the interest of justice permits their release on bail.

The court remarked that the State had a strong case against the bail applicants and there was likelihood they would evade trial if released on bail.

The matter was postponed to November 8 for further investigations, and the five accused men will remain in custody.