MIDDELBURG – A former South African National Defence Force (SANDF) member, Lesley Richard (60), has been denied bail after being charged with dealing in illicit narcotics in Middelburg.
According to Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, a rigorous coordinated investigation by the Gqeberha Hawks’ South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB), operating under the auspices of the Serious Organised Crime Investigation, resulted in the successful denial of bail for Richard by the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court on 4 May.
As previously reported, Richard, a former member of the SANDF, was charged with dealing in illicit narcotics on 9 April at Middelburg.
The accused was apprehended by a multi-disciplinary team comprising the Gqeberha Hawks, Middelburg Local Criminal Record Centre, Graaff-Reinet K9 Unit, Nxuba Crime Intelligence, Chris Hani SAPS District Task Team and Middelburg SAPS.
Mhlakuvana said that the investigation into the matter was formally initiated in August 2025, advanced by continuous community-derived intelligence and recurrent complaints relating to the persistent distribution of illicit narcotics.
He said that acting upon corroborated and actionable intelligence, law enforcement operatives effected tactical interception of the culprit while in transit on a public roadway.
Mhlakuvana said that subsequently, a search and seizure warrant was executed at the suspect’s residence in Middelburg township.
He said that a search at Richard’s home resulted in the discovery and confiscation of 16 small pockets of crystal methamphetamine, approximately 50 grams of Tik with an estimated street value of R8,100, 100 Mandrax tablets with an estimated street value of R8,000, a scale, pockets of cannabis, as well as an undisclosed sum of cash, inclusive of officially entrapped funds.
The seized cash remains subject to ongoing investigation.
“Richard made numerous court appearances in an attempt to be granted bail, but all in vain until the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court successfully denied him bail,” said Mhlakuvana.
He further said that the matter was thus remanded to 25 May for further investigation.
The Hawks’ Provincial Head, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, articulated his appreciation and unequivocal commendation of the investigating team for successfully opposing bail, with the suspect remanded in custody.
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