Tracy-Lynn Ruiters|Published
A Rastafarian family from Mitchells Plain has opened a criminal case against members of the South African Police Service’s Anti-Gang Unit, alleging that officers took cannabis and R2,500 in rent money during a raid.
The Lentegeur family claims masked police officers forced their way into their home without a warrant and searched the property. They also alleged that officers forced a 58-year-old woman to eat a cannabis gummy against her will.
SAPS confirmed that the operation took place at about 3.30pm on 10 October 2026, resulting in an arrest and the seizure of cannabis.
Police spokesperson Colonel André Traut said a criminal case had subsequently been opened against SAPS members.
“Following the arrest, a criminal case was registered against SAPS members relating to allegations of cash theft during an allegedly unauthorised search,” Traut said.
Family alleges officers forced entry and took rent money
The complainant alleged that several male officers arrived in multiple police vehicles and used a crowbar to force their way into a separate dwelling without presenting a search warrant.
“They weren’t here to search; they were here to steal money,” she alleged.
She claimed that officers damaged cupboards and took R2,500 in rent money from her 58-year-old mother’s handbag.
The complainant said officers refused to wait for the occupants of the separate dwelling to return home, despite being told that they were on their way.
“They just broke in. We live in the separate entrance. They broke into my place with a crowbar,” she said.
She alleged that six women were at the property during the operation, but that none of the police officers were women.
The complainant further alleged that officers instructed her mother to consume a cannabis gummy against her will.
“They told my 58-year-old mother to eat the gummy against her will. She doesn’t take edibles; she never has,” she said.
Young children were reportedly present during the operation. The complainant said she was relieved that her 11-year-old daughter had not been at home, fearing that the incident would have traumatised her.
Family alleges woman was forced to eat cannabis gummy
She described the officers’ conduct as humiliating.
“The way they treated us, like gangsters and criminals,” she said.
“We are Rasta people; we believe in being respectful.”
The family maintains that it has documents relating to its use of cannabis for medicinal purposes and recognition as herbalists. The complainant also said she had documentation allowing her to operate a small clothing business.
She questioned why the officers had seized the cannabis despite the documents the family claimed to possess.
The woman also alleged that members of the Rastafarian community had repeatedly been targeted during police operations.
“We’re not the first people these cops have raided, especially Rastas,” she claimed.
Criminal cases opened as SAPS investigates
The family said cases relating to alleged theft and malicious damage to property had been opened at Lentegeur police station. They also said they intended to approach the Independent Police Investigative Directorate.
“I want the truth to be told,” the complainant said.
Traut said SAPS regarded the allegations seriously and that investigations were under way.
“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,” he said.