One of the people arrested in Bethal during a large-scale operation by the Hawks to clamp down on drug trafficking in the area, was sentenced to six years direct imprisonment on Tuesday, December 6.
Rudi Angle Kishuka (25) pleaded guilty to three counts in the Bethal Regional Court.
She is part of a criminal group the Hawks based in Secunda arrested during their Dream On Project between June 2021 and July this year.
Kishuka was sentenced to two years suspended for five years on a count of drug possession.
She was also sentenced to three years each on two counts of dealing in drugs, as well a further five years imprisonment suspended for five years.
The court found Kishuka unfit to possess a firearm.
The others in the alleged syndicate who were also arrested and are facing similar charges are Okereke Valentine Okwudiri (36), Kadima Remy (30), Male Mokoko (34), Mukembani Justin Kasindo (35), Bongiwe Malingela (42), David Enewere (35) and Hassanda Kaluwe (32).
They appeared before the Bethal Regional Court on Monday, December 5.
The case has been postponed to March 3 for trial and the accused remain in custody until then.
The Hawks’ provincial head, Major-General Zodwa Mokoena welcomed the sentence.
She hailed the investigation team for commendable efforts and further applauded the collaboration with their counterparts in ensuring that criminals are brought to book.
