Four men who were accused of drug-related offences were each sentenced to six years in jail by the Benoni Magistrates’ court on December 14.
Drugs offences
Chima Giftson Elkanah (35), Christian Obumnaeme Chijioke (35), Evans Mkpa Onyeani (37) and Ugochukwu Kenneth Eleghasim (44) were convicted for contravention of Section 5 (b) Drug and Drug Trafficking Act 140 of 1992, dealing in drugs.
The accused were arrested by dedicated members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation and West Rand K9 unit. A warrant of arrest was granted for a residence in Lakefield, Benoni.
Drugs laboratory
Upon arrival at the scene, a fully functional Methcathinone (CAT) laboratory was discovered.
Several chemicals and equipment to manufacture (CAT) were also found and seized. An additional 5kg of Methcathinone was found hidden inside the house. A 12kg of Meth cathinone (CAT) was found in one of the suspects’ vehicle.
Bail was successfully opposed against all four accused. On Thursday, December 14 2023, all four accused were found guilty by the Benoni magistrates’ court. They were each sentenced to six years direct imprisonment for the offences.
Conviction and sentences welcomed
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) provincial head in Gauteng, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, has welcomed the sentencing of the four men.
Kadwa lauded the sterling work by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation and the prosecution team for the work done. He further reiterated that this kind of sentencing will serve as a deterrent to the would-be perpetrators of such crimes.
