Limpopo courts sentence men for smuggling, dealing in drugs
Both cases where referred to the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team who ensured the men did not receive bail during their trials.
LIMPOPO – The Hawks welcomed the conviction and sentencing of an explosives smuggler and a drug dealer, by separate courts in the province this week.
The 27-year-old man accused of smuggling explosives across national borders was sentenced to 15 years’ direct imprisonment without and option of a fine by the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
The accused, Chuma Brighton was arrested on 17 December after he was caught smuggling explosives to the value of R95 000 through the Beit Bridge border post.
Brighton was travelling from Zimbabwe to South Africa in a Toyota Hilux double cab when he was stopped by the police. “A total of 32 blasting cartridges of explosives to the value of R 95 000 were found hidden in the loading bin and he was arrested on the spot,” Hawks Spokesperson, Capt Matimba Maluleke said.
He added that the case was referred to the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team who ensured the accused did not receive bail during the trial.
Meanwhile in the Waterberg district, the Mahwelereng Regional Court sentenced Zanele Phineas Ngobeni (38) to four years’ imprisonment for dealing in drugs.
Ngobeni was arrested in 2018 during “Operation Dundee”. The operation was launched by the Hawks to address the mushrooming of drugs in the province particularly in Mokopane and Mahwelereng areas.
Maluleke explained that the accused had been on their radar and he was arrested during a takedown operation in February 2018.
He was found to be part of drug syndicate that traded in both Mokopane and Mahwelereng areas. He was kept in custody throughout his trial.
