Five men have been convicted and sentenced for drug-related offences and violations of South Africa’s Immigration Act after being arrested in Limpopo. The conviction came following a joint operation conducted by the Musina-based Hawks serious organised crime unit and the Thohoyandou-based tactical response team (TRT) in November 2021.
The convicted individuals—Eze Chekuebwe Aloicios (42), Chimankpam Prosper Ashame (53), Dube Lebang David (40), Chigozie Henry Okoro, and Okeke Peter Richard (52)—were found to be involved in a crystal methamphetamine operation in Musina. The Hawks had received a tip-off about illicit drug activity in the area, prompting an investigation that led to the identification of the accused and the location of their operation.
After several unsuccessful attempts to secure bail, the five men remained in custody until their convictions this week. The Musina Regional Court handed down the following sentences: Aloicios received eight years for contravening the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act and an additional two years for violating the Immigration Act. Ashame was sentenced to seven years for drug trafficking and another two years for immigration violations. Okoro was given a three-year sentence for drug trafficking, while Dube and Okeke each received seven years for drug-related crimes, with Okeke also sentenced to two additional years for breaching the Immigration Act.
The provincial head of the Hawks in Limpopo, Major-General Gopz Govender, expressed satisfaction with the convictions, underscoring the ongoing commitment to tackling serious crime in the region. The successful operation serves as a reminder of the efforts made by law enforcement to combat drug trafficking and immigration offences in South Africa.
