SECUNDA – Almost five years after the Secunda Hawks clamped down on a syndicate that manufactured and sold drugs in the Secunda area, the kingpin was finally brought to book.
The Secunda Regional Court sentenced Enzani Wiseman Shongwe (31) to 20 years’ direct imprisonment on Thursday 28 January.
The other eight members of the syndicate that was busted open during the Hawks’ Project 24 operation in August 2016, admitted guilt and were sentenced in 2018 to a combined 144 years’ imprisonment.
Shongwe opted to go for trial and remained in custody since his arrest in 2016.
He was found guilty and sentenced to 15 years on each of the three counts of dealing in drugs. The first two of the three sentences will run concurrently and Shongwe will effectively remain behind bars for a minimum of 20 years.
W/O Jacob Ras from the Hawks’ South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB) was the primary investigator on the case. His team worked closely with the Police’s Crime Intelligence Unit.
W/O Ras has since 2002 ensured the successful termination of another six syndicates in the Gert Sibande District.
Project Tawani closed down a syndicate smuggling compressed dagga from Swaziland and selling it locally.
Project Run Out busted a syndicate dealing in Ecstasy, LSD and cat. A group that dealt in cocaine amongst others, was apprehended in Project Yorker.
Project Blues saw the takedown of a syndicate dealing in cat, cocaine and crystal meth.
This was followed up by Project Reds where another syndicate was rounded up for cat and crystal meth.
Project Rainbow shut down a syndicate that manufactured, distributed and sold various types of drugs.
Each of these projects was meticulously planned and monitored as undercover policemen risked their lives to infiltrate and expose these syndicates. This is called an unconventional investigation. This takes time, resources and patience.
During the busts, clandestine drug labs (kitchen labs) were found.
The war on drugs is huge and according to Capt Dineo Sekgotodi, spokesman for the Hawks, the local drug trade is booming.
“The syndicates are mostly operated by citizens from west African countries, such as Nigeria.”
Capt Sekgotodi said the community can help the police by sharing information.
“The Hawks will not stop in the investigation of drug syndicates and criminal groups and will use all necessary resources in fighting these drug syndicates who are destroying the lives of innocent, young and vulnerable people,” said Capt Sekgotodi.
Users should also be warned – the Hawks will from now on focus on the buyers and as well as the sellers.
“The less the demand the less the supply.”
