Drug dealer sentenced in plea deal while the case against accomplices postponed
MPUMALANGA – The Hawks Provincial Head, Major General Zodwa Mokoena welcome the sentence of one of the drug dealer syndicates. She hailed the investigation team for commendable efforts and further applauded the collaboration with our counterparts in ensuring that criminals are brought to book and then remain in custody.
The acclamation followed the arrest of a criminal group during the ‘Dream on’ project at Bethal in Mpumalanga between June 2021 and July 2022 respectively. They appeared before the Bethal Regional Court on Tuesday, 2 August 2022 for dealing in drugs.
Chibuzo Chicozie ‘Don’ Ogbunuku (36) entered a plea agreement with the State and was sentenced to eight years of direct imprisonment collectively for dealing in drugs, conspiracy to commit an offence, corruption, escaping from custody, illegal entry, departing or remaining in the country.
In his statement that was read in court by his lawyer, Ogbunuku admitted that he sold drugs to a police officer. He also admitted to trying to bribe a police officer by offering him R50000 to be released as well as trying to escape from custody.
The case against Okereke Valentine Okwudiri (36), Kadima Remy (30), Male Mokoko (34), Mukembani Justin Kasindo (35), Rudi Angel Kishuka (25), Bongiwe Malingela (42), David Enewere (35) and Hassanda Kaluwe (32) was postponed to 30 August 2022 for a legal representative.
Mbusho Janvier Kikaranga (35) who appeared in absentia was remanded to 15 August 2022 for bail application.
Also read: Fugitive arrested by Secunda Hawks
