Police in Makhado, Limpopo, have opened an inquiry following the discovery of several bottles reported to contain medication at the scene of a fatal accident on the N1 freeway, a few kilometres outside Makhado, on Sunday, October 13, 2025.
Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe confirmed that images of the bottles, which circulated on social media, have been noted by the police.
Hadebe says an inquiry docket has been registered to determine the origin and ownership of the substances.
It is revealed that under Section 22A of the Medicines and Related Substances Act, it is a criminal offence to possess certain scheduled medicines without proper authorisation.
Individuals are legally permitted to carry only the quantities prescribed by a registered medical professional. Carrying or distributing unregistered or excessive quantities of medication is illegal.
“Section 22A of the Medicines and Related Substances Act in SA makes it a crime to possess certain scheduled medicines without authorisation. Legally, someone is only permitted to possess and carry the quantity of medicine you have been prescribed by an authorised prescriber. Carrying a large quantity of medicine without exception is illegal. Although for now the lawful owner of the bottles of medication is not yet identified to get the explanation regarding its origin, the police have, in the meantime, opened an inquiry for further investigation,” police affirmed.
The discovery comes amid heightened scrutiny over the alleged illegal distribution of codeine-based cough syrups, such as BronCleer, which have been linked to substance abuse in parts of South Africa.
Health authorities have moved swiftly to dismiss viral claims suggesting that public healthcare facilities are distributing BronCleer. City of Tshwane MMC for Health Services, Tshegofatso Mashabela, clarified that the medicine is a controlled substance and is not part of the procurement lists or formularies of government clinics or hospitals.
“Government facilities adhere strictly to regulations regarding controlled substances. There is no documentation supporting claims that BronCleer is supplied through public healthcare channels,” Mashabela said.
“We urge the public to rely on verified information. Spreading misinformation undermines trust in the health system and distracts from legitimate public health efforts.”
The clarification also follows a recent police operation in Galeshewe, Kimberley, where the Hawks and Public Order Police uncovered a stash of unregistered medicines, including 100 bottles of BronCleer, being sold illegally.
They also seized R160 000 in cash, along with quantities of Painogon, Stilpaine, and Lenazine Forte syrups, as well as 431 Mylon tablets. The operation led to the discovery of additional high-grade cannabis valued at approximately R90 000.
Law enforcement authorities confirmed that Zimbabwean nationals allegedly operated the illegal pharmacy without the necessary qualifications or permits, in direct violation of the Medicines and Related Substances Control Act.
Saturday Star