The nine accused who are facing more than 20 charges of dealing and possession of drugs, as well as charges of corruption, escaping from lawful custody and resisting arrest, appeared in the Bethal Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, September 14, for a formal bail application.
All nine accused were remanded in custody and will appear again in court on October 14.
The defense’s case is now closed and evidence from Home Affairs is still to be led in order to confirm the citizen statuses of the accused.
The accused, Mr Chibuzo Chicozie Ogbunkwu ‘Don’ (35), Mr Okereke Valentine Okudiri (35), Mr Kadima Remy (29), Mr Male Mkolo (33), Mr Mukembani Justin Kasindo (34), Ms Rude ngeKishuke (24), Ms Bingiwe Manengela (41), Mr Enewere David (34) and Mr Mwambaza Hamisa (31) were arrested between June and July following a successful operation by 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.
Cash and drugs were confiscated.
