By Lwazi Raul
About Nine foreign nationals and One local were remanded in custody The trio was arrested by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team Mpumalanga assisted by Forensic Science Laboratory, Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team, Public Order Policing and SAPS Bethal during the clamp down operation which emanated from a major investigation by the Hawks and Crime Intelligence since June 2020 addressing drug challenges in Bethal.
Chibuzo Chicozie Ogbunkwu `Don` (35) , Okereke Valentine Okwudiri (35), Kadima Remy(29), Male Mkolo(33), Mukembani Justin Kasindo(34), RudeA ngeKishuke(24), Bongiwe Manengela(41), Enewere David (34), Mwambaza Hamisa(31) and David Chicoloko(26).
It is alleged that in June 2020, information was received by the team about the criminal group dealing in drugs around Secunda and Bethal. Intelligence driven information gathering was conducted and presented before court resulting in the arrest of the suspects . During the arrest, cash and drugs were confiscated for further investigation.
One of the accused David Chicoloko (26), who was not part of the said investigation,(ADHOC), was arrested for illegal immigration, he was found guilty and sentenced to R1500 fine or three months imprisonment further ordered to be deported to his original country on the 09 July 2021 by the same court.
The case was postponed on Friday 30 July2021 due to unavailability of an interpreter and Legal Aid. All accused remanded in custody.
