DRUG DEALER GETS DIRECT IMPRISONMENT

26 JUNE 2025

DRUG DEALER GETS DIRECT IMPRISONMENT

The Madadeni Regional Court has sentenced Mduduzi Jerome Kunene (57) to 15 years imprisonment following his conviction for dealing in drugs. Five years of the sentence are suspended for a period of five years on condition that Kunene is not convicted of a similar offence during the period of suspension.

On 11 October 2023 there was a joint South African Police Service (SAPS) operation conducted at a house in the Section 3 area of Madadeni. When they reached the house, the team led by Warrant Officer Gerald Mfanafikile Nyembe, found that it was surrounded by a high wall with razor wire and broken bottles on top. Members of the police shouted to gain entry to the premises and when Kunene saw them, he ran into the house and disappeared. The SAPS members then used bolt cutters to cut the locks and entered the premises.

Being in possession of a search warrant, they found Kunene hiding inside a dog's kennel. Nyembe asked Kunene if they could search the property and he agreed. There was no one else on the premises except Kunene. Drugs were found in the kennel and in the drainpipes. In total, police found 1851 full Mandrax tablets, 38 half Mandrax tablets, and approximately R1 300 in cash. Kunene was arrested and charged for dealing in drugs.

In the state’s case the prosecutor, Zama Zikalala led the evidence of the forensic analyst who analysed the exhibits found on the property and identified them as Mandrax. The exhibit clerk as well as other SAPS members also testified. The drugs had an estimated value of R112 000. Kunene denied being in possession of the drugs and claimed that they were planted by the police. However, an inspection in loco confirmed the state’s case in respect of the drainpipes and the kennel. In aggravation of the sentence Mr. Zikalala told the court that drugs lead to drug abuse, crime, and poverty. He said that by cracking down on drug dealers the supply of drugs can be reduced, addressing the problem at the source.

Kunene was sentenced accordingly and the court declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the successful finalisation of this matter. Drug abuse and the associated crimes are rife in our communities. We hope that this sentence indicates that the NPA together with our partners in law enforcement are serious about curbing the sale and distribution of drugs.
 

Issued by:

Natasha Ramkisson-Kara
NPA Regional Spokesperson
KZN Division
0716700229