Police recently put concerns about the lack of positive results regarding arrests for possession of dagga to rest.
Captain Appel Ernst, the Randfontein Police spokesperson, said residents often complain about the perceived lack of follow-through on arrests for possession of dagga.
She explained, “Contrary to the general perception by the public, that possession of dagga is a minor offence that is not properly policed, a case was successfully concluded in the Randfontein Magistrates’ court recently.”
The arrest took place on 21 July this year at approximately 9am. Andrew Sithole, a 39-year-old man was searched in Ngonyela Street, Mohlakeng.
“The police officer found that the person was in possession of 24 individually wrapped packets of dagga,” Ernst said.
The man was duly arrested for being in possession of dagga, and on 26 August he was found guilty as charged. Since Sithole had previously been convicted of similar crimes, these convictions were taken into consideration when his sentence to two-year imprisonment was handed down.
Detective Constable Jabulile Simelane, the investigating officer, is satisfied with the outcome of the case.
“Drugs [are] killing our children therefore we will continue to pursue persons who are in possession of drugs and with the assistance of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), offenders will have to face the music. Congratulations on the positive outcome,” said Brigadier Mashole Jacob Manamela, the Randfontein Police station commander.
He added that he hopes the sentence will serve as a deterrent to other offenders.
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