The Hawks; South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), have discovered an underground laboratory believed to be manufacturing illicit drugs on Rooikopan farm in Standerton, Mpumalanga.
Just over a month after two clandestine laboratories in Mahonie street and Rooikopen farm in Standerton as well as the warehouse with chemicals believed to be used in manufacturing of drugs were found, an underground laboratory was recovered in Rooikopen farm on 14 May 2025.
All three sites were active crime scenes until the service of the cleaning company was appointed through the assistance of the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Hawks Supply Chain Management and Standerton SAPS to clean and purify the areas.
The Hawks Secunda based Serious Organised Crime Investigation received information before the cleaning process could commence that underneath one of the containers, there was an entrance to the underground laboratory.
The Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation followed up the clues whereby the underground entrance was identified.
Machinery believed to be used in the illegal manufacturing of drugs, drums, and plastic containers filled with substances were recovered.
The Hawks cannot confirm the value of the recovered equipment and chemicals pending further investigation.
Currently, the scene is under police guard to allow the Forensic Science Laboratory (Chemistry) to analyse the recovered machinery and substances.
Eight suspects, two South African Nationals and six Mozambican Nationals, are still behind bars following their arrest on the first two recoveries.
Eleven vehicles, including high-performance luxury vehicles and millions of Rands, were seized in April 2025.
The Mpumalanga Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Nico Gerber, applauded members for following up on the information and uncovering further drug consignments. The Hawks will leave no stone uncovered to dismantle the enterprise and the associated structures.
