EVANDER – The Evander Regional Court sentenced a drug dealer to effectively serve eight years in prison.
Goodwill Ogudimmo (47) was found guilty and convicted on Monday, 23 February for dealing in drugs and conspiracy in manufacturing drugs.
The conviction followed a long major investigation which began in September 2014 by the Hawks. T
hey investigated a group of nine Nigerians dealing and manufacturing drugs in the Gert Sibande Region.
The nine accused were arrested at Evander and in Gauteng during a clamp down action on 6 September 2014. Capt Dineo Sekgotodi, spokesperson for the Hawks, said the bail application was denied for all nine accused and seven of them opted for plea agreements.
“They were all convicted and sentenced in 2018 to eight years’ imprisonment of which four years were suspended for five years.”
Ogudimmo has also been in custody since 6 September 2014 after his bail was denied.
He initially wanted to go to trial, but has recently decided on a plea agreement.
The court sentenced him to eight years’ imprisonment respectively on two counts of dealing in drugs and to five years’ imprisonment each on two counts of conspiracy in manufacturing and dealing in drugs.
The sentences will run concurrently and he will effectively spend eight years behind bars.
“The ninth accused opted to stand trial. He was granted R10 000 bail after he appealed. The case was postponed to 11 May 2021 for trial.”
The Provincial Head for the Directorate for priority Crime Investigation Mpumalanga, Major-Genl Zodwa Mokoena commended the investigation team and the judiciary for ensuring that these criminals have been sent to jail, and also believe that the sentence will serve as a deterrent to those who are still involved in criminal activities.
“We are taking zero tolerant on drugs in Mpumalanga. We also appeal to the community to report those who are involved in drug peddling around their areas,” Major-Genl Mokoena concluded.
