Johannesburg - The African National Congress (ANC) on Wednesday congratulated the South African Police Service (SAPS) for "a job well done" following a major drug bust that uncovered an illicit lab that manufactures mandrax in Soweto.
Police Minister Fikile Mbalula said the Hawks and members of the South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau searched a house in Dobsonville on Tuesday, where they uncovered a clandestine laboratory. Police investigations suggest drugs manufactured at the house were destined for the Western Cape.
The house is completely fortified. It has high walls with razor wire atop. During the raid police discovered that there were at least five outdoor buildings behind the house, where the clandestine laboratory was concealed.
Police also found illicit drug manufacturing equipment including a tablet press, and chemicals for making mandrax.
"This operation will go a long way in the national fight against manufacturing and use of drugs, which have a dire impact amongst young people - the future of our country," the ANC said in a statement.
WATCH: Min Mbalula welcoming the #DrugBust. pic.twitter.com/tyIhIz9Ftf
— SA Gov News (@SAgovnews) July 25, 2017
Check these equipments if these criminals #wanyaTsotsi pic.twitter.com/4cqnvHVjB9
— RSA Police Minister (@MbalulaFikile) July 25, 2017
Sibambe obhonyongo norhunta eSoweto - they had a drug manufacturing plant in some house - sending fringe to Western Cape pic.twitter.com/FlrDw92Pu1
— RSA Police Minister (@MbalulaFikile) July 25, 2017
"Whilst we congratulate all those involved in this drug bust, we equally call for the speedy prosecution and very harsh sentences for those who involved in the perpetuation of this heinous crime."
Police found a man and two women at the house and they have been taken in for questioning.
The ANC said criminals have no place "in our country".
"For us to achieve a drug free society, the ANC calls on all the people of South Africa to join in the fight against drugs. We all have a duty to jealously safeguard the future of our country, thus we must all join hands and expose those who manufacture and sell drugs to our people, in particular the youth," said the ANC.
"We wish members of the SAPS strength as they continue with the good work of protecting the people of South Africa from crime."