The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation based in Secunda has arrested a 53-year-old Durban woman, Sandra Pillay, in connection with the ongoing Standerton drug laboratory investigation.
Pillay handed herself over to the Standerton police on Wednesday, 06 May 2026, following an intensive investigation by the Hawks.
The arrest follows the earlier discovery of a clandestine drug laboratory in Standerton, where authorities arrested two South African nationals and five Mozambican nationals. During the operation, investigators also seized 11 vehicles, including seven luxury vehicles, as well as more than R3 million in cash concealed in the boot of one of the luxury vehicles.
Investigations revealed that Pillay’s vehicle was among the luxury vehicles recovered at one of the premises allegedly used to produce final drug products. The vehicle was allegedly found containing more than R3 million in cash concealed in the boot.
Pillay was charged and appeared before the Standerton Magistrate’s Court, where she was granted bail of R10 000.
She is expected to appear again before the Standerton Magistrate’s Court on 23 June 2026, where she will join her co-accused.
The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Mpumalanga, Major General Nico Gerber, commended the investigating team for their unwavering commitment and dedication in ensuring that all individuals linked to illegal drug manufacturing and trafficking are brought to justice.
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