HIGHVELD – The seven suspects arrested in connection with possession of and dealing in drugs applied for bail before the Bethal Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, June 29.
The case was postponed to July 9, for the appointment of an interpreter, and again to July 9 for formal bail application.
Mr Male Mkolo (33), Mr Mukembani Justin Kasindo (34), Ms Rude Kishuke (24), Ms Bongiwe Manengela (41), Mr Enewere David (34), Mr Mwambaza Hamisa (31) and Mr David Chicoloko (26), were arrested for dealing and possession of drugs in a raid by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team Mpumalanga, the police’s Forensic Science Laboratory, Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team, Public Order Policing and Bethal police on Monday, June 28.
The cops confiscated cash and drugs during the raid.
The clampdown operation emanated from a major investigation by the Hawks and Crime Intelligence since June last year, addressing drug challenges in Bethal.
In June last year, information was received by the team about the suspects who were dealing drugs around Secunda and Bethal.
Intelligence-driven information gathering was conducted and presented before the court, resulting in a warrant of arrest being issued.
Maj-Gen Zodwa Mokoena, Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, applauded the team and the public for working together in the fight against drugs abuse within the community.
“Drug use through the exchange of needles (so-called Bluetooth) might become a super spreader of many diseases, including the current pandemic because there are no observations and adherences to the current regulations to fight against the pandemic,” said Maj-Gen Mokoena.
Maj-Gen Mokoena urged the public to report a crime that is happening around their neighbourhoods.
