Thupeyo Muleya in Makhado, South Africa
Two South African men have each been jailed for six years for smuggling heroin worth R7 million into South Africa through the Beitbridge Border Post.
The heroin was concealed in a false compartment of a commercial truck.
The accused, Johannes James Harry (56) and Sobhuza Aubrey Lingwati (70), appeared before the Protea Magistrates Court, where they were convicted and sentenced for unlawful possession of drugs, manufacturing of drugs, and corruption.
Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa confirmed the development on Saturday.
He said both accused were sentenced as follows: Harry, R300 000 fine or six years’ imprisonment for corruption and manufacturing of drugs, while Lingwati was sentenced to a R150 000 fine or six years’ imprisonment for manufacturing of drugs.
Additionally, both men were declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of the Firearms Control Act, and their truck and trailer were forfeited to the State.
“In 2008, police at Beitbridge Port of Entry stopped a truck that was coming from Zimbabwe to South Africa. During inspection, police discovered a false compartment on the trailer,” said Warrant Officer Mmuroa.
“Police used a grinder to open the compartment and found heroin valued at over R7 million. The driver (Lingwati) was immediately arrested.
“After the arrest, the second accused, Harry, approached the police and offered them a bribe to avoid arrest. He was also arrested for corruption.”
Warrant Officer Mmuroa said investigations revealed that the drugs were destined for Gauteng Province.
The team followed up on the lead and proceeded to a plot in Zuurbekom, Gauteng, where they found drug manufacturing equipment. Another case docket was opened and registered at Westonaria.
“The Polokwane-based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit was entrusted with investigating both cases,” he said.
“The accused were charged and taken to court, where they were initially released on bail. The cases were later centralised, and proceedings were handled at the Soweto Protea Magistrates Court.”
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