Seven people are expected to appear in the Kroonstad Magistrate's Court next month for possession of suspected stolen property after they were found in possession of antiretroviral (ARV) tablets valued at R480,000.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (known as the Hawks) said the seven, aged between 34 and 39, have been summoned to appear in the Kroonstad Magistrate's Court on October 3 for possession of stolen property and conspiracy to commit a crime.
Hawks spokesperson in the Free State, Captain Christopher Singo, said members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Tactical Response Team (TRT) based in Welkom received information about the suspects who were going to sell antiretroviral (ARV) tablets in Kroonstad in the Free State on October 17, 2020.
The police followed up on the information and stopped a vehicle in Welkom. The vehicle was searched and two small containers of antiretroviral tablets were discovered.
"The suspects who were inside the vehicle told the police that the containers belonged to the owner who is at a guest house in Kroonstad," he said.
The police went to Kroonstad and searched the rooms of the suspects at the guest house. During the search police discovered 1,272 antiretroviral tablets worth an estimated value of R480,000.
"The case docket was then handed over to the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team based in Welkom for further investigation, culminating in summonses being served on Wednesday, September 13, 2023," he said.
IOL