A Rastafarian family in Lentegeur, Mitchells Plain, claims that members of the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Anti-Gang Unit raided their home on 10 October 2026 at about 15:30, seizing dagga and taking R2 500 in rent money, according to the family’s statement. SAPS confirmed the raid and an arrest but acknowledged a criminal case against some officers over allegations of cash theft linked to the operation.
The family alleges that police officers forced entry into a separate dwelling using a crowbar without presenting a search warrant. They also say R2 500 in rent money was stolen from a 58-year-old woman’s handbag. The elderly woman was reportedly compelled to eat a cannabis gummy against her will during the raid. No female police officers were present at the time, and children were reportedly in the house. The family holds documentation permitting medicinal cannabis use and herbalist activities, as well as a small clothing business.
Police spokesperson Colonel André Traut confirmed that an anti-gang operation occurred in Lentegeur on 10 October, resulting in an arrest and the seizure of dagga. He further stated that a criminal case was registered against SAPS members linked to allegations of cash theft during what is described as an allegedly unauthorised search.
“Following the arrest, a criminal case was registered against SAPS members relating to allegations of cash theft during an allegedly unauthorised search,” Colonel Traut said at a media briefing. “The allegations are serious and are being investigated. It is important that the circumstances surrounding the incident are thoroughly investigated to establish the facts and ensure that the matter is dealt with in accordance with the law.”
One unnamed complainant expressed deep distrust of the police operation, saying: “They weren’t here to search; they were here to steal money.”
The family has opened cases of alleged theft and malicious damage to property at Lentegeur SAPS and intends to approach the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for further investigation.
This incident occurs within the wider context of intense police enforcement activities in Mitchells Plain and Lentegeur, areas frequently targeted by anti-gang and drug operations. The seizure of dagga during police operations is common in these neighbourhoods, but the allegations of unauthorised searches and theft against police officers raise serious concerns about conduct within the force.
While several claims made by the family remain unverified — including forced entry without a warrant, theft of rent money, forcible feeding of cannabis gummies, and the absence of female officers during the raid — SAPS has acknowledged investigating cash theft allegations against their own members. No independent sources beyond the family’s account have been provided to corroborate these disputed claims.
The police have yet to release further updates as investigations continue, and no additional arrests or disciplinary actions have been announced. The community and observers await clarity from SAPS and IPID on this matter, underlining the urgent need for transparency and accountability in policing operations in vulnerable areas such as Lentegeur.