Dagga suspects finally sentenced for their joint operation

The 46-year-old Swaziland national, who was arrested along with four other suspects after being found in passion of dagga worth more than R25 000, has been sentenced to one year’s imprisonment.

This is after Alfred Ndiphethe Vilane (46) failed to raise the R18 000 option fine that was imposed on him by the Eerstehoek Magistrate’s Court in Elukwatini. He was arrested along with Frans Mokgokoloshi (42), Sipho Scorpion Nkosi (32), Dumisani Vilane (30) and Mfiswa Mliba Tfwala (24) when they were transporting dagga in a red Toyota Corolla.

According to Elukwatini police-station spokesman, Const Sipho Mbokane, the other four have since been acquitted after Vilane told the court that he had taken a lift from them.

“The case against Mokgokoloshi, Nkosi, Dumisani and Tfwala has since been withdrawn after he told the court that they had nothing to do with it,” said Mbokane.

The five were initially apprehended by Const Mcolisi Maseko and Const Reuben Nkosi while they were conducting routine searches. Mbokane said they were arrested after they had tried to speed off in their vehicle after the officers had flagged them down.

“The driver tried to speed away from the officers. But after realising he couldn’t get away, he eventually pulled off to the side of the road. It was then that three large bags containing compressed dagga were found in the car,” he added.

The total weight amounted to 23,16kg and it was estimated to a street value of R25 000. During their arrest, the men confessed to police that they had smuggled it through illegal access points and intended to sell it in Johannesburg.

The station commander of Elukwatini, Col Jeros Thango applauded the officers for a job well done. “It is a joy to work with such an inspired and dedicated team. The community can sleep well at night knowing that someone is watching.”