Overview

• Six suspects — five Mexican nationals and a South African — appeared in the Volksrust magistrate’s court, and the matter was postponed to Friday to secure a Spanish interpreter.
• Police say the farm laboratory held chemicals, finished crystal meth and manufacturing machinery with an estimated value of R350 million.
• Two suspects, reported as a Nigerian and a Malawian, escaped on foot during Friday’s raid, and a 72-hour operation is under way to find them.
• The Hawks have assumed control of the case and the Department of Home Affairs is examining reportedly questionable travel documents.
• Officials noted that a similar clandestine lab was uncovered months earlier in nearby Standerton.