Hawks seek Cardoso Missuque after Standerton court no-show
A warrant has been issued for the 36-year-old, who was on bail over an alleged role in a mandrax laboratory found in shipping containers at a Standerton farm.
The Hawks have issued a public appeal for help in finding Cardoso Missuque, 36, who failed to appear before the Standerton Regional Court on 17 July 2026 after he was released on bail.
A warrant for his arrest has been formally issued, according to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, which is asking anyone with information on his whereabouts to come forward.
Missuque was previously remanded in custody awaiting trial over what the Hawks describe as his alleged primary role in a clandestine mandrax manufacturing laboratory. The laboratory was uncovered in shipping containers underground at Rooikoppen Farm in Standerton, Mpumalanga, in April 2025. He was later granted bail.
The Hawks list the charges against him as manufacturing and dealing in illicit drugs, in contravention of the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act, possession of precursor chemicals and industrial drug manufacturing machinery, and absconding a court appearance.
Missuque is 36 years old and Mozambican. His last known address is in Standerton, Mpumalanga. He is described as of medium build, with a dark complexion and short black hair.
Information can be given to the Crime Stop anonymous tip-line on 08600 10111, or to the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Xoli Sibanyoni, on 082 780 2238. The Hawks say all information received will be treated with the strictest confidentiality and that anonymity is guaranteed.
This report is based on the Hawks media statement, which is a summary of the case rather than the court record itself.
Source: South African Police Service (SAPS), Wanted suspect for absconding court - Standerton clandestine laboratory syndicate
