9 foreign nationals arrested on drug charges in Mpumalanga
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Nine foreign nationals and one local who were arrested by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team Mpumalanga together with Forensic Science Laboratory, Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team, Public Order Policing and SAPS Bethal are set to spend a week in the cells in police custody.
Chibuzo Chicozie Ogbunkwu Don (35), Okereke Valentine Okwudiri (35), Kadima Remy(29), Male Mkolo(33), Mukembani Justin Kasindo(34), Rude Ange Kishuke(24), Bongiwe Manengela(41), Enewere David (34), Mwambaza Hamisa(31) and David Chicoloko(26) made a brief appearance at the Bethal Magistrate Court on Friday 30 July 2021.
The suspects were apprehended during the clamp down operation which emanated from a major investigation by the Hawks and Crime Intelligence since June 2020 addressing drug challenges in Bethal.
Mpumalanga Police Spokesperson Captain Dineo Sekgotodi said that it is alleged that in June 2020 the law enforcement received a tipoff about the criminal group dealing in drugs around Secunda and Bethal.
“Intelligence driven information gathering was conducted and presented before court resulting in the arrest of the suspects. During the arrest, cash and drugs were confiscated for further investigation.”
“One of the accused David Chicoloko (26), who was not part of the said investigation,(ADHOC), was arrested for illegal immigration, he was found guilty and sentenced to R1500 fine or three months imprisonment further ordered to be deported to his original country on the 09 July 2021 by the same court” said Captain Sekgotodi.
Chibuzo Chigozie Ogbunkwu
Chibuzo Chigozie Ogbunkwu ‘Don’ (35) appeared in the Bethal Magistrate Court on Wednesday, 28 July 2021 facing charges of dealing in drugs and Corruption. The Court added more charges against the suspect. The suspect is now facing the following charges: 1. 2×2 counts of dealing in drugs.2. Escaping from Lawful custody after he run away from the team during the arrest 3. Illegal immigration and 4. Resisting arrest. The suspect was remanded in custody until Friday 30 July 2021 to join his co-accused who were arrested in June.
The case is postponed to 06 August 2021 due to unavailability of the interpreter and Legal Aid. All accused remanded in custody.
