Two Nigerians Remanded in South Africa on Drug-Related Charges
Two undocumented Nigerian nationals, Ikemukwu Benjermin Ezirim (39) and Christian Valentine Uchenna (37), have been remanded in custody in South Africa for drug-related offences. The suspects appeared before the Volkrust Magistrate’s Court in Mpumalanga on Friday, November 29, 2024.
Their arrest took place on Thursday during a multidisciplinary operation in Volkrust. Captain Dineo Sekgotodi, spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), explained that the operation was conducted by teams from Serious Organized Crime Investigation, Serious Corruption Investigation, Serious Commercial Crime Investigation, the Standerton K9 Unit, and other law enforcement agencies.
“The operation followed intelligence about individuals involved in drug dealing. On arriving at the targeted location, one suspect attempted to flush some of the drugs down the toilet to dispose of the evidence,” Sekgotodi stated.
During the search, investigators uncovered additional drugs concealed within a vehicle’s body and tires. The two Nigerians suspects, who lacked valid documentation, were promptly arrested, charged, and detained.
Law enforcement officials seized drugs with an estimated street value of R1.2 million, R2,000 in cash, five cellphones valued at approximately R15,000, a silver weighing scale, and a Mercedes-Benz C180 valued at R400,000.
The suspects appeared in court on Friday, where they were remanded in custody. Their case was adjourned to December 9, 2024, for a bail hearing.
Nicholas Jacobus Gerber, the provincial head of the Hawks, commended community members for their cooperation and the valuable information that led to the successful arrests and the seizure of the contraband.
This case highlights the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and local communities in tackling organized crime.
