A 52-year-old resident of Howick near Pietermaritzburg, is facing serious charges after being arrested by members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit for the cultivation of cannabis.

The investigation was initiated based on a tip-off regarding Mashinga Khanyile’s illicit activities at his residence in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal.

Acting on the intelligence gathered, the Hawks undertook a disruptive operation that led them to the suspect’s home. Upon arrival, Khanyile’s property was searched, revealing a shocking 382 cannabis plants.

Provincial Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo, said the street value of this substantial haul is estimated to be around R1.2 million, underscoring the serious implications of such agricultural endeavours.

Mhlongo said that following Khanyile’s arrest, he was charged with cannabis cultivation, a crime that highlights the growing concerns regarding illegal drug farming in South Africa.

“Forensic Science Laboratory members were summoned and they seized the plants.”

Khanyile made a brief appearance in the Howick Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where he was granted bail set at R1,000.

The legal proceedings are far from concluded, the case has been postponed to November 26, 2025. 

Meanwhile, Major General Lesetja Senona, the Provincial Head of the KwaZulu-Natal Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, welcomed the arrest and praised the diligence displayed by the Hawks members. 

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

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