Suspects arrested for possession of drugs, cigarettes and liquor in various parts of the Northern Cape
The Northern Cape Calvinia Regional Court has on Thursday 30 July 2020 sentenced Sbonke Banele Bengu (28) to an effective 18 years direct imprisonment for dealing on drugs.
According to the Northern Cape Police, Bengu, who was arrested in September 2018 was also declared unfit to possess a firearm. He was arrested by members of dog unit after receiving information about a suspicious vehicle that was driving in and around Calvinia.
The vehicle was later spotted at a petrol station after it apparently broke down from mechanical problems. Upon investigation, members found Mandrax tablets in boxes concealed in the boot. The seized drugs were estimated to worth R6, 5million in street value.
The Provincial Head Major General Kholekile Galawe has applauded members for their sterling work. He further declared war against the illicit drug trade in a quest to ensure that the streets are reclaimed from the drug lords.
Meanwhile Kimberley Police have earlier today arrested two men aged 35 and 45 years old respectively for contravening Regulation 48(2) and Act 45(1) of the Disaster Management Act Regulations.
According to the Police, while conducting Covid 19 crime prevention duties in the New Park area in Kimberley, members of the Kimberley K9 unit under the command of Lt Col Damane noticed a male person leaving a mini mart tuckshop in Black Street in New Park in Kimberley.
The male was stopped and searched and inside a black plastic bag they found 10 packets of WISH cigarettes worth R450-00.
The male person directed the police members to the mini market where he allegedly bought the cigarettes.
According to the Police, upon searching the mini market, police discovered illicit cigarettes amounting to R13 850-00.
Also in the Northern Cape, members of the Springbok Public Order Police arrested a 54-year-old man at Bersig for dealing in drugs.
Members were conducting patrols around Springbok, Okiep, Matjieskloof , Concordia, Nababeep and Bersig last night. N7 and N14 roads were also patrolled in order to curb proliferation of stolen goods and drugs.
The patrols were focusing on enforcing the curfew declared in terms of the Disaster Management Act regulations aimed at containing Covid-19 pandemic.
At Bersig, a 54-year-old man was arrested for dealing in drugs. 1791 mandrax tablets estimated at about R150 000,00 were confiscated last night at about 22:00. Another suspect, aged 30, was also arrested at Bersig for being in possession of bankie tik valued at about R200.
The District Commander of Namakwa, Brigadier Francis Hender applauded members for their vigilance in ensuring that Springbok and surrounding areas were rid of drugs.
On Monday evening 27 July 2020 at about 21:15, SAPS members of the ZFM District COVID 19 team were busy with patrols in front of the Dr Harry Surtie Hospital in Upington when they noticed what appeared to be a white Isuzu courier van driving over the bridge leading to Paballelo and Dakota Weg locations.
Seeing that it was already past the curfew time, they pursued the vehicle to enquire their reason for traveling that late. They managed to pull the vehicle off and upon investigation they discovered dozens of boxes filled with liquor in the back of the van.
Two males were arrested and charged for Contravention of the National Disaster Management Act Regulations that is transportation of liquor and failure to confine themselves to their residents during the curfew time. Both the alcohol amounting to 354 600ml and the Isuzu van were confiscated and booked in.
Today, 30 July 2020, the duo made their first appearance in the Upington magistrate Court and were released on bail. The case was postponed for further investigation.
Further investigation into the case continues.