MP News reports that the whole saga started when some learners at a White River school began behaving oddly during exams on 10 November 2025.
The school management launched an internal enquiry before calling in the SAPS, who met with the principal and teachers.
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe, “learners were found in possession of vape devices containing cannabis, which led to a loss of focus during exams and unusual behaviour”.
This led to a formal investigation by the White River SAPS K9 Unit. Acting on information received from the pupils, police visited a cannabis outlet nearby the school at 21 William Street in 12 November 2025.
“Undercover officers purchased cannabis from the shop, and a raid was conducted, resulting in the arrest of two employees. A large quantity of cannabis-infused products, including sweets, juice, vape juice, dagga, pot plants, lollipops, chocolates, and cola, were seized, with an estimated value of R2.3m,” said Nonyane.
Two shop employees who were arrested. They appeared briefly in the White River Magistrate’s Court on 13 November 2025.
Estelle de Beer (43) was granted R1 000 bail, but Zinhle Mabuza (23) was remanded in custody for the investigating officer to verify his residential address.
The suspects are facing charges of dealing in drugs and the court postponed the matter for further police investigations.
Police say the suspects were employees at the shop which had only opened its doors on 1 November 2025. The whereabouts of the shop owner remains unclear.The acting Mpumalanga police commissioner, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, has commended the school for reporting the incident and urged the community to continue working together to create a safe and drug-free environment for children.
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