MAKAPANSTAD – The six suspected drug dealers arrested in Makapanstad, North West Province in connection with illicit drugs worth millions are remanded in custody after the Moretele Magistrate’s Court postponed their case to 17 December.
According to police, the drugs seized are valued at an estimated R50 million.
The suspects Victor Hlakwane, Justice Mashiyane, Kennedy Wilson Mashele, Jabulani Khumalo, Louis Lesley Senye and Ananias Monani appeared in court yesterday – Wednesday (10 December). The suspects face charges of manufacturing of drugs.
Col. Katlego Mogale, national spokesperson for the Hawks, said the matter was postponed for profiling and to gather information for the bail application. Intensive investigations are ongoing into the illicit drug operation.
The suspects were arrested on Monday, 8 December. Members of the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation working with the Counter Narcotics and Gangs in the Western Cape pounced on the six men following the discovery of a clandestine drug laboratory worth millions in Thulwe near Makapanstad.
Mogale said the breakthrough came after the team of investigators followed up on intelligence information relating to a suspect who had fled in an unrelated drug proliferation case.
The intelligence led the elite crime-fighting wing to the remote property where they made the significant discovery. She said members confiscated large quantities of finished product (tablets), powder, drug press, crusher machine, scales and packaging bags. Officials did not disclose the value of the seized drugs.
