Cape Town - A drug dealer caught with R7.5 million worth of illegal narcotics a year ago was sentenced to eight years imprisonment in the Cape Town Regional Court this week, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) said on Thursday.
Hosia Mathoho, 58, was arrested along with three co-accused after members of the DPCI, more popularly known as the Hawks, intercepted a truck and escort vehicle transporting the drugs on the R45 from Gauteng. The vehicles were intercepted in Vredenburg, outside of Cape Town.
"The resultant search of the truck uncovered about 771 000 units of Mandrax tablets hidden in the false compartments. The seized drugs were valued at approximately R7.5-million," said Hawks spokesman Lloyd Ramovha.
"Following a plea bargain, Mathoho was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment of which seven is suspended. He has further been declared unfit to possess a firearm."
The court also issued an order that the two vehicles used in the crime be forfeited to the State.
The cases against Mathoho's co-accused were withdrawn.