By OBAKENG MAJE
Five suspects alleged to be Nigerians who were arrested for dealing in drugs worth R2 million briefly appeared in Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court. Veronica Agu (30), Pascal Enuma Ezekwueme (51), Solomon Ezeh (38), Robinson Ikechukwa Okoye (44) and Kingsley Ikenna Onbumneme (41) were remanded in custody until 20 September 2023 for formal bail application.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said the verification process to determine their status is underway. Mamothame said the state intends to oppose their bail application.
“They are facing 14 counts of dealing with drugs valued at over R2 million. The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit in collaboration with the National Intervention Unit (NIU), the Hawks’ Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS), Stilfontein Dog Unit, Potchefstroom Drug Task Team, Ekurhuleni District Task Team, and Bad Boyz Security arrested the five suspects on 13 September 2023, during a takedown operation, which was conducted in the North West and Gauteng provinces.
“According to the report, the information about a syndicate to be involved in the distribution and selling of illegal narcotics in the two provinces was received. The information was operationalised and the team pounced on the suspects at various identified houses,” he said.
The Guardian 