Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, the Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) in Gauteng, expressed satisfaction with the sentencing of Chima Giftson Elkanah (35), Christian Obumnaeme Chijioke (35), Evans Mkpa Onyeani (37), and Ugochukwu Kenneth Eleghasim (44).
The four individuals were handed six years of direct imprisonment on Thursday, 14 December 2023, by the Benoni Magistrates’ Court for violating Section 5 (b) of the Drug and Drug Trafficking Act 140 of 1992, specifically for dealing drugs.
Their arrest took place on Wednesday, 13 December 2023, by a dedicated team comprising members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation and West Rand K9 unit. A warrant of arrest led authorities to a residence in Lakefield, Benoni, where they uncovered a fully operational Methcathinone (CAT) laboratory. The arrest resulted in the apprehension of three additional suspects and the discovery and seizure of various chemicals and equipment used in the manufacturing of (CAT).
Furthermore, an additional 5kg of Methcathinone was found concealed within the house, while a suspect’s vehicle contained a 12kg stash of Methcathinone (CAT).
Bail was successfully opposed for all four accused individuals. On Thursday, 14 December 2023, the Benoni Magistrates’ Court found them guilty, leading to the imposition of six years of direct imprisonment for contravening Section 5 (b) of the Drug and Drug Trafficking Act 140 of 1992, specifically for dealing in drugs.
Major General Kadwa commended the outstanding efforts of the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation and the prosecution team, emphasizing that such robust sentencing acts as a deterrent for potential perpetrators of similar crimes.