Cape Town – Two men convicted of stockpiling and concealing dagga worth R740 000 have been sentenced, thanks to the good work done by the Hawks.
Themba Eric George, 43, and his co-accused, Hassan Mwanga, 46, made an appearance in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The duo were arrested on September 28 2020 after the Hawks, The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, carried out a search at a storage facility in Philippi which was used to stockpile and conceal dagga.
The duo was sentenced this week, George received a R750 000 fine or 36-month imprisonment while Mwanga was slapped with a R250 000 or a 12-month prison sentence.
Lieutenant-Colonel Philani Nkwalase of the Hawks said the bust was a huge success and that their head had applauded them for the conviction and sentencing.
“The acting provincial head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Western Cape, Brigadier Trevor Hoys applauded the Hawks South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (Saneb) for the team’s concerted effort in fighting the proliferation of drugs and ensuring a drug-free, as well as safer community as envisaged in the 2030 National Development Plan.
“This follows the sentencing of Themba Eric George and Hassan Mwanga on June 20 when they appeared in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court for possession of dagga,” he said.
“The duo was arrested by the Hawks’ Saneb team on September 28 2020 in Philippi, Cape Town when they swiftly responded to information about a storage facility situated in Philippi which was used to stockpile and conceal dagga.
“During the search at the storage facility, 700kg of dagga worth an estimated street value of R740 000 was found and seized and the duo was arrested for dealing in drugs.
“They appeared in court several times before they were each granted R50 000 bail and were subsequently found guilty for possession of dagga on December 1 2021, their bail was extended after they had been convicted.
“The court sentenced George to a fine of R750 000 fine with an alternative 36 months imprisonment. Meanwhile, his accomplice Mwanga was sentenced to a fine of R250 000 with an alternative sentence of 12 months imprisonment.”