Picture: Drugs confiscated by the Hawks/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
30 March 2026 – Four accused, Emmanuel Onyia (44), Paul Ezeama (52), Patricia Pillay (31) and Zanele Namo (32) briefly appeared in the Benoni Magistrate’s Court on 30 March 2026, facing multiple drug-related and money laundering charges. The accused were arrested in Gauteng, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal provinces by members of the North West Hawks and Pretoria-based Hawks’ Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS).
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said their arrest emanates from a lengthy investigation conducted by members of the Serious Organised Crime Investigation about a syndicate involved in drug trafficking and money laundering in the North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.
Mathebula said an extensive investigation culminated in a takedown operation, which was conducted between 27 and 29 March 2026, across three provinces.
“The operation started in Springs and Benoni in Gauteng, where Emmanuel Onyia, an alleged kingpin, was arrested along with his accomplice, Paul Ezeama. A search and seizure operation were conducted at Onyia’s property, where suspected cocaine, CAT, full moon tablets, phenacetin, pots and electronic scales were seized.
“Recovered drugs and chemicals are estimated at R200 000. Pillay and Namo were arrested on Saturday and Sunday in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, respectively. They were charged with money laundering after a financial investigation conducted by the Hawks’ Priority Crime Specialised Investigation linked them to Onyia,” he said.
Mathebula further said the accused were remanded in custody and will reappear in the same court on 13 April 2026, for bail application.
Major General Nombuso Khoza, the Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in the North West, applauded the team for working diligently to ensure that the accused are brought to justice.
The Guardian 