Syndicate drug-dealer gets eight years’ imprisonment following plea deal

A drug dealer involved in a drug-dealing syndicate has been sentenced to eight years after entering into a plea agreement with the state.

DRUG DEALER HANDED SENTENCING

Chibuzo Chicozie ‘Don’ Ogbunuku, 36, appeared before the Bethal Regional Court on Tuesday for dealing in drugs.

He formed part of a criminal gang which was busted during the Hawk’s ‘Dream On’ operation in Bethal, Mpumalanga.

The operation took place between June 2021 and July 2022 respectively.

Ogbunuku was one of the arrested along with nine other suspects, said Hawks spokesperson Captain Dineo Sekgotodi.

“He entered a plea agreement with the state and he was sentenced to eight years’ direct imprisonment.”

Captain Dineo Sekgotodi

Ogbunuku faced charges of dealing in drugs, conspiracy to commit an offence, corruption, escaping from custody, illegal entry, departing or remaining in the country, said Sekgotodi.

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THE REMAINING GANG MEMBERS REMANDED IN CUSTODY

The remaining nine suspects, aged between 25 and 42, are to reappear before the Bethal Magistrate’s Court at the later this month.  

The matter 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 are to reappear on 30 August for a legal representative.

Mbusho Janvier Kikaranga, 35, who appeared in absentia was remanded to 15 August 2022 for bail application.

Hawks Mpumalanga provincial head Major General Zodwa Mokoena welcomes the sentence of one of the drug dealing syndicate members, said Sekgotodi.

“She hailed the investigation team for commendable efforts and further applauded the collaboration with our counterparts in ensuring that criminals are brought to book than remain in custody,” she said.

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ONE OF THE ACCUSED, THE ONLY FEMALE, WAS A FUGITIVE

Kishuku, a Congolese national, was found and arrested by the Cape Town-based Flying Squad on 10 July.

She was one of four accused who were granted bail by the Bethal Regional Court. But she only appeared before the court twice and evaded court since then.

A warrant for her arrest was authorised in April by the same court. The Secunda-based Hawks and Crime Intelligence received information that she was in Cape Town. Cape Town Hawks traced her and Kishuku was cornered while trying to escape from her hiding place in Gateway Delft.