Khayelitsha Arrest: Zimbabwean National Charged Over Sale of Unregistered Medicines

A 42-year-old Zimbabwean man in Khayelitsha has been arrested under Operation Shanela II for selling unregistered medicines from his home (image source)

A 42-year-old Zimbabwean man has been arrested in Khayelitsha after police discovered large quantities of unregistered and potentially dangerous medicines being sold from his home, authorities confirmed. The arrest forms part of Operation Shanela II, an ongoing campaign targeting illegal trade and public-health risks across the Western Cape.

Police intelligence led officers to a property in Ilitha Park, where the suspect was found with boxes of medicines hidden under a bed. During questioning, he allegedly admitted to selling the drugs to members of the local Zimbabwean community, according to a statement from the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The suspect faces charges under South Africa’s Medicines and Related Substances Act for possession and sale of unregistered pharmaceuticals—offences carrying severe penalties due to the potential health dangers posed by unregulated products. Authorities warned that such sales not only endanger consumers but also undermine legitimate pharmacies and health systems.

Community safety and health officials welcomed the arrest, calling it a key success in a wider effort to dismantle illicit medicine markets that often target vulnerable and migrant populations. Operation Shanela II has led to several intelligence-led raids across the province, seizing contraband and disrupting suspected syndicates.

The suspect is expected to appear before magistrates in Khayelitsha as investigations continue. Authorities are also tracing the broader supply chains linked to the illegal trade. Health regulators have urged residents who purchased medicines from informal sources to report any side effects and seek treatment at accredited facilities, warning that counterfeit or unregistered drugs may contain contaminants or incorrect dosages.

Community leaders have further called for awareness campaigns among migrant communities, emphasizing the need for accessible and affordable legal medication channels. They stressed that enforcement must go hand-in-hand with education to reduce reliance on illegal sellers and prevent future public-health risks.