Klerksdorp drug kingpin sentenced to 12 years imprisonment

Klerksdorp drug kingpin Frank Onyeka Nwaru, 51, was convicted for dealing in drugs on Wednesday 24 February 2021 at the Stilfontein Regional Court. He was arrested almost three years ago on 21 May 2018.

Nwaru was arrested by the Hawks’ South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB) after they followed up on information of alleged drug dealing near Klerksdorp Primary School. 

DRUG KINGPIN TRIES TO EVADE ARREST IN KLERKSDORP 

According to Captain Tlangelani Rikhotso, the investigative team followed him from his flat but he noticed that he was being followed. He allegedly threw a black plastic bag and attempted to flee but was overpowered and eventually detained. 

The plastic bag was searched and inside police found drugs. The search didn’t end there though. Nwaru was taken back to his flat where the police searched and found neatly packed packets of Crystal meth and CAT drugs worth approximately R1.5 million. 

“He was arrested and made a brief appearance before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court. The state successfully opposed bail and the accused remained in custody until ultimately being convicted of dealing in drugs,” said Rikhotso. 

SENTENCED FOR DEALING IN DRUGS 

On Wednesday, the Klerksdorp drug kingpin was sentenced as follows; 

• Count 1: 6 years imprisonment for Dealing in Drugs;
• Count 2: 12 years imprisonment for Dealing in Drugs; and 
• Count 3: 12 months imprisonment suspended for five years for Contravention of the Immigration Act.

Count 1 and 2 will run concurrently. The accused will therefore serve an effective 12 years imprisonment.

The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho, welcomed the sentence and thanked the investigative team and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for their sterling work.

‘SHEBEEN KINGPIN’ ARRESTED IN THE NORTHERN CAPE 

Apart from the drug kingpin in Klerksdorp, police arrested an “shebeen kingpin” in Kimberley in the Northern Cape last month. 

As previously reported by The South African, he was in direct contravention of the alcohol ban at the time. 

“The suspect was found selling liquor from his house at [an] inflated price to the public. He had no valid liquor trading license or a license to operate a tavern from his house, situated in Newton Road, Beaconsfield,” said SAPS spokesperson Olebogeng Tawana.

Police found alcohol worth an estimated R4 800, which was subsequently confiscated.