Beitbridge heroin smugglers convicted after decade-long investigation
Two men have been sentenced after attempting to smuggle R7m worth of heroin through the Beitbridge Port of Entry in 2008.
Two men who tried to smuggle heroin worth more than R7m through the Beitbridge Port of Entry have been convicted and sentenced for drug-related offences and corruption, following a lengthy Hawks investigation that spanned more than a decade.
Polokwane Review reports Limpopo Hawks head Major General Gopz Govender welcomed the sentencing of Johannes James Harry (56) and Sobhuza Aubrey Lingwati (70).
The pair appeared in the Protea Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, where they were found guilty of unlawful possession and manufacturing of drugs, and corruption.
In 2008, police officers at the Beitbridge Port of Entry stopped a truck entering South Africa from Zimbabwe.
Drugs found, bribe attempted
During inspection, officers found heroin after cutting open a false compartment in the trailer.
The driver, Lingwati, was arrested immediately. Shortly after, Harry approached police and offered them a bribe to release Lingwati. He was then arrested for corruption.
Limpopo Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa said investigations revealed the drugs were destined for Gauteng.
“The Hawks followed the lead to a Zuurbekom plot, where they uncovered drug manufacturing equipment and a second case was opened at the Westonaria Police Station,” his statement read.
The Polokwane-based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit led the case.
“The accused were initially released on bail and the cases were later centralised and finalised at the Protea Magistrate’s Court in Soweto,” Mmuroa said.
Both men were sentenced as follows:
- Johannes Harry: R300 000 fine or six years’ imprisonment for corruption and drug manufacturing.
- Aubrey Lingwati: R150 000 fine or six years’ imprisonment for drug manufacturing.
“Both accused were declared unfit to possess firearms under the Firearms Control Act [60 of 2000]. The truck and trailer used to smuggle the drugs were also forfeited to the state.”
Govender commended the investigation team, saying the convictions reflect the Hawks’ commitment to dismantling organised drug networks operating across South Africa’s borders.
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