SAPS efforts to combat drug-related crime in Oudtshoorn have paid off, with a 37-year-old man described as a prominent figure in the local illicit drug trade sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment.
The illicit drug trade in Oudtshoorn suffered a significant setback following the successful prosecution of Mervin Langeveldt, who was sentenced in the Oudtshoorn Regional Court on 16 April 2026. A substantial amount of confiscated cash was also forfeited to the state.
The conviction follows a police raid on 10 July 2024, when members of the Oudtshoorn Crime Prevention Unit and Attaqua K9, acting on information about drug-related activities, executed a search warrant at a residence in Pearl Road.
During the operation, officers confiscated 238,8 g of tik with an estimated street value of R83 580, along with 97 Dianabol (Metandienone) tablets, a 10 ml vial of testosterone cypionate, a laptop, and two cellphones. An undisclosed amount of cash, believed to be proceeds from illegal activities, was also seized.
Two occupants, a man and a woman, were arrested at the scene. They initially faced charges of dealing in drugs, possession of stolen property, and contraventions of the Medicines Control Act and National Credit Act. However, the case against the 41-year-old woman was later withdrawn.
Langeveldt was found guilty on multiple charges. In addition to the eight-year sentence for dealing in drugs, he was fined R10 000 or, alternatively, sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for possession of medicine without a valid prescription, as well as for contraventions of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act and the National Credit Act.
Western Cape police management commended the investigating officer, Warrant Officer JC Roux of the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation (OCI) Narcotics Unit based in George, for his role in securing the conviction.
SAPS operation lands Oudtshoorn drug dealer behind bars
