A Swaziland national, Siyabonga Makamo (27) pleaded guilty to dagga dealing in the Low’s Creek Periodic Court last Thursday. Makamo received a R20 000 fine of which R15 000 was suspended for 18 months, on condition that he was not found guilty of a similar charge during that period. He, however, managed to pay R5 000 admission of guilt.
Makamo, along with his allege co-accused, Jerry Mashele (45), who was later acquitted of the charges of dagga dealing, were arrested officers last Wednesday.
They were found with 21 maize-meal bags, which were wrapped with black refuse bags, weighing 150 kilograms and an estimated street value of R1,8 million.
The incident occurred at about 04:00 when police received a tip-off from a community member about a Toyota Quantum Kombi.
According to Capt Bushy Ndlovu, station commander, his officers received an anonymous tip-off about a white kombi from Mining Timber Plantation that was travelling from Sharlock. He said they then went to set up a roadblock.
“Soon after their arrival, they spotted the kombi. Upon stopping it, the cops searched the two occupants and the vehicle. They found 21 bags of compressed dagga. All the passenger seats had been taken out and the drugs packed into the panelling,” said Ndlovu.
According to him, the car reeked of the plant from a distance.
Makamo and Mashele were apprehended on the spot and taken to the station where they were charged. They appeared in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court the very same day. Mashele was granted bail of R10 000 while Makamo was denied as police had to verify his physical address beforehand.
Since the beginning of the year law enforcement’s vigilance in the area has since prevented many criminals from using it as a getaway to communities for drug dealers. Ndlovu said they would continue to be on the lookout.
“Criminals who thought they could freely use Low’s Creek roads as escape routes are in for trouble.
“Our officers are on the lookout 24 hours a day. Those who think they can escape justice are in for a rude awakening. We are waiting to pounce on them, at any time of the day.”
