ALBERTON – A tight case built by the HAWKS (Directory for Priority Crime Investigation) sunk one of the kingpins of Alberton North’s drug dealers, Philip Nsofor, aka the Lion of Alberton and also known as Stranger.
Nsofor’s (an illegal Nigerian immigrant) drug circle was infiltrated and close tabs where kept on him and his operations for more than six years, securing a solid case and guilty convictions on charges of racketeering (the first individual in SA to be charged with racketeering), participation in an enterprise, managing an enterprise, dealing in drugs and contradiction of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002.
For years he ran his operations from his cellphone shop, Philsof Cellphone Shop in Parklands Avenue, Alberton North. Dealing in cocaine, Methamphetamine tablets, having his runners at hand and a couple of corrupt SAPS members in his pocket, he dubbed himself the Lion of Alberton.
After gaining his trust, the Hawks had their hooks into the operation and slowly but surely gathered information to build a solid case against Nsofor. During the investigation, Nsofor made no secret of the fact that he “was not a small time thug, but a boss” and that in the past he had to pay a lot of people in very high positions and suggested that the infiltrator make payments to a certain police officer to ensure that he leaves him (Nsofor) and his business endeavours alone.
Gaining his trust, the Hawks managed to be part and parcel of the organisation for an overseas collection in Saò Paulo, Brazil. Once the runner arrived in Saò Paulo, the Brazil authorities took over. Here the runner had to meet with another Nigerian man, “Never say Never”. The runner returned with a painting in which cocaine was hidden.
It was on return of the informant to South Africa and the handing over of the painting with its content, that Nsofor was arrested.
Nsofor’s also entered into a marriage of convenience. He entered SA on May 28, 2002 with a temporary residence permit valid until June 18, 2002. He was charged for a fraudulent act or false presentation, that a marriage since October 25, 2005 had a good spousal relationship which would keep him in the country.
He was found guilty on all charges and will appear in court on November 12 and 13 for sentencing.
Captain Paul Ramaloko, national spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) said: “We are convinced that we netted the ring leader, and that this arrest will bring relief to our citizens whose lives may have been ravaged by these drugs. We are hoping for a deterring sentence to other drug dealers.”
