Farm owners implicated in the operation have joined the list of accused appearing before the Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court. The accused, including several Mexican nationals, appeared in court on Friday (22/5) following a major Hawks-led operation.

It exposed what investigators believed to be a sophisticated methamphetamine manufacturing facility operating on a farm near Swartruggens.

Authorities seized drugs estimated at R100m during the raid, alongside tons of chemicals, manufacturing equipment, and three firearms allegedly connected to the illicit operation. 

The latest court appearance follows proceedings last week Friday when the matter was postponed to allow for interpreters, verification of immigration status, and consultations regarding possible bail applications.

Farm owners Chantel Adele Schutte and Johann Louis Schutte handed themselves over to police for questioning before being charged, said Hawks national spokesperson Col. Katlego Mogale. 

The farm owners were charged for manufacturing illicit drugs, illegal possession of hazardous chemicals, and illegal possession of precious metals.”

The pair made their first appearance alongside the other accused on Friday. The other accused are Tyron John Schutte, Kyle Schutte, Ismael Afiado Massingue, Lourenco Constantino Cumbane, Tobias Soyani, Vusi Amos Mkambi, Naome Jacquelin Lopez Madrid, Fabian Astorga Ramirez, Jesus Alonso Medina Astorga, Luis Alberto Ramirez Rios, and Jose Andres Medina Astorga.

Preliminary investigations revealed several of the accused are in South Africa illegally. Those facing additional charges under the Immigration Act include Afiado Massingue, Cumbane, Soyani, Lopez Madrid, Astorga Ramirez, Medina Astorga, Ramirez Rios, and Medina Astorga.

Four of the accused – Schutte, Schutte, Medina Astorga, and Schutte – indicated their intention to apply for formal bail. However, the matter was delayed due to diary clashes and the need for a Spanish interpreter. The case was postponed to 12 June for formal bail applications and further investigations.

Some 481kg of methamphetamine (tik) had been confiscated, although investigators expect the quantity to increase once the entire crime scene has been fully processed, Mogale previously said.

Authorities estimate the value of the illicit drug laboratory itself could exceed R1bn, making it one of the most significant drug manufacturing busts uncovered in the province in recent years.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg

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