Byline: Nonjabuliso Nhlambo

22 September 2025

A multi-million clandestine laboratory was discovered by members of the Police when they were busy following up information received at Ousehoutklood farm outside Volksrust. 

The major discovery led to the arrest of five Mexican nationals, Isabel Antonio Quintero Corrales (36), Hector Manuel Valenzuela Ontiveros (36), Luis Alberto Osorio Viscarra (31), Jose Omar Molina Jimenez (36) and Nicanor Molina Jimenez (48) as well as a 61-year-old South African, Bafana Samson Magubane.

The arrest and discovery were the results of a speedy reaction from information received from the whistle-blower about the unpleasant smell in the area. On police’s arrival, the six suspects were found in the laboratory.  Chemical, final products of crystal meth, and machinery believed to be used in drug’s manufacturing were found. Magubane was also found in possession of three 9mm live rounds. He could not produce a firearm licence. He was also charged for the Contravention of Firearm Control Act of South Africa. 

The five Mexicans were in possession of their traveling documents, which are questionable. The Department of Home Affairs will be brought on board for further investigation. 

An in-depth investigation on the clandestine laboratory is conducted by the Hawks Secunda based Serious Organised Crime Investigation. The matter was postponed to Friday, 26 September 2026, for the services of the Spanish interpreter. 

The recent recovery of the clandestine laboratory follows few months after similar activities were discovered in Standerton, less than 100 km from Volksrust where another clandestine laboratory with equipment, chemicals, and final products to the value of more than R50 million was recovered.

The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Mpumalanga Major General Nico Gerber applauded the positive working relationship between the man in blue and the community members. “Together, we can do more in squeezing the space for drug syndicates. The Hawks have taken over investigation and will investigate the links and involvement of the Mexican nationals arrested,” said the General.