BETHAL – More than 20 charges of dealing and possession of drugs, as well as charges of corruption, escaping from lawful custody, resisting arrest and illegal immigration have brought against 10 people in the Bethal Magistrate’s Court on Friday, July 30.
Mr Chibuzo Chicozie Ogbunkwu ‘Don’ (35), Mr Okereke Valentine Okwudiri (35), Mr Kadima Remy (29), Mr Male Mkolo (33), Mr Mukembani Justin Kasindo (34), Ms Rude ngeKishuke (24), Ms Bongiwe Manengela (41), Mr Enewere David (34), Mr Mwambaza Hamisa (31) and Mr David Chicoloko (26) were remanded in custody.
The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team in Mpumalanga, assisted by the Forensic Science Laboratory, Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team, Public Order Policing and Bethal Police arrested nine foreign nationals and one local during the clamp down operation which emanated from a major investigation by the Hawks and Crime Intelligence since June 2020 addressing drug challenges in Bethal.
It is alleged that the team received information in June last year about the a criminal group dealing in drugs around Secunda and Bethal.
Intelligence-driven information gathering was conducted and presented before court resulting in the arrest of the suspects.
During the arrest, cash and drugs were confiscated for further investigation.
One of the accused, Mr David Chicoloko (26), who was not part of the said investigation, was arrested for illegal immigration.
He was found guilty and sentenced to R1 500 fine or three months’ imprisonment.
He was further ordered to be deported to his original country on July 9 by the Bethal Magistrate’s Court.
Due to Legal Aid and the unavailability of an interpreter the case had been postponed to Friday, August 6.
All accused remained in custody.
