Brackendowns Mandrax manufacturer Thulani Mtotoba was put behind bars during his appearance at Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on July 20.
This comes after a bust of what was deemed a Mandrax manufacturing lab at his Brackendowns home with drugs worth a street value of about R6m.
The bust was led by South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), EMPD SWAT Unit and SAPS Intelligence Investigation Operation on September 4, 2019.
Mtotoba, also a father of four, was later granted bail at R50 000 on charges of manufacturing and dealing drugs.
Considering the merits of his matter, magistrate Ashin Singh sentenced him to 12 years in prison for count 1 and eight years in prison for count 2. The sentences will run concurrently.
Investigating Officer Rassie Erasmus, who works in the narcotics division for the Hawks, took the witness stand and stated the seriousness of the accused’s offence.
“Drugs are breaking down the community and drug use also leads to other crimes being committed since people need money to carry on. It is a big problem in our society, especially with Mandrax. The pills get made here and then transported to the Western Cape and Eastern Cape,” he said.
As far as the scene’s concerned, Erasmus said the State encountered a monetary cost of about R54 000 to clear the scene upon his arrest.
The substances including equipment found there were forfeited by the State.
State prosecutor Sithembile Busakwe also confirmed that an undisclosed amount of money was found at the scene during Mtotoba’s arrest.
In a statement presented to the court by defence attorney Brian Ngcungama, Mtotoba who informed the court he has a serious medical condition pleaded guilty before being sentenced.
He stated that he was remorseful for his actions.
“I admit that on September 4, 2019, I unlawfully and intentionally manufactured and dealt with an undesirable dependence-producing substance. I admit that I was aware that the tablets contained an illegal ingredient methaqualone which I manufactured for several distributions,” stated Mtotoba.
After producing the tablets, he said an unknown male collects the finalised tablets and takes them away in bulk.
“It is never the same man and months later I will receive money for each bulk collected by an unknown buyer. I admit that at all times I was in my sound and sober senses and I knew that my actions were wrongful. I am remorseful for my actions and wish to extend my apologies to all affected parties,” he said.
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