International cartels now view South Africa not only as a convenient transhipment hub for narcotics between East and West, but also as a production zone.
This change of modus operandi was noted by retired Interpol ambassador Andy Mashaile who told SABC news on 23 September 2025 that many cartels have shifted from manufacturing drugs in their home countries to now building drug labs in South Africa.
“Normally, we would learn of cocaine being dropped in and around our shoreline. Now, we are seeing West Africans being involved, meaning the five North Americans using the transatlantic route into West Africa, West Africa going down to East Africa and from East Africa coming and establishing a base and a camp in South Africa. This is exactly what the Mexicans have done. They have changed their tactics of manufacturing in Mexico and now manufacture in South Africa.”
His remarks come as the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry begins hearing evidence of police corruption and alleged infiltration by organized crime into the ranks of senior officers and politicians.
The Inquiry has already heard allegations from National Commissioner Fanie Masemola, that his deputy, General Shabangu, currently on suspension, had a close relationship with Vusimusi The Cat Matlala.
He said Shabangu was responsible for making sure the dockets of the political killings task team were taken out of circulation and appeared to be taking orders from former police minister Senzo Mchunu, also currently on leave.
Mashaile said the situation was concerning and the possibility of South Africa becoming a drug factory for international destinations was real.
He pointed to the arrest of five Mexicans at a farm near Volksrust on 19 September 2025 where police discovered a huge amount of packaged crysal meth, colloquially known as tik.
SAPS spokesperson Colonel FP Maphanga told the Citizen that police raided the farm at Oudehoutkloof, near Volksrust after being informed there were strange chemical smells emanating from the property.
He said when police arrived a number of men on the farm attempted to flee. The five Mexicans were caught, while two other suspects, believed to be West Africans, managed to evade capture in the bush and are still at large.
Col Maphanga said a search of the property led to the discovery of:
- Large quantities of precursor chemicals used in drug manufacturing;
- Drug-manufacturing equipment;
- Crystal methamphetamine valued at approximately R350 million, packaged in lunch boxes and buckets stored in freezers;
- A pellet gun loaded with blank rounds; and
- Three live 9mm rounds found in the possession of the farm caretaker.
Last year two Mexicans were arrested during a drug lab bust at Groblersdal in Limpopo.
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