TWO ACCUSED SENTENCED TO LENGTHY IMPRISONMENT FOR DEALING IN DRUGS

27 June 2025

TWO ACCUSED SENTENCED TO LENGTHY IMPRISONMENT FOR DEALING IN DRUGS

The Postmasburg District Court has convicted and sentenced Mthobisi Dlamini and Xolani Njoko to 14 and 10 years of direct imprisonment, respectively for dealing in drugs. The two were arrested during the DPCI (Hawks) led crime prevention operation on Saturday, 03 August 2024 after they were found in possession of mandrax tablets and an undisclosed amount of cash.

The two accused were intercepted after they acted suspiciously upon seeing a police vehicle. Officers witnessed them discarding bags, which were found to contain drugs. Both suspects were arrested on the scene and charged with dealing in drugs. The state, led by prosecutor, Tshifhiwa Emmanuel Muruba presented three witnesses who testified against the accused. Both accused claimed they had merely picked up the bags, a version the court rejected.

In aggravation of sentence, prosecutor Muruba submitted that drug-related crimes are a serious concern in the courts and contribute to many other criminal cases on the roll. He emphasised the devastating impact that drugs have on communities, particularly on young people, and urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence.

The court echoed this sentiment, affirming that “drugs are killing our children and tearing apart our communities.” The magistrate added that the public looks to the courts to protect them and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable. In line with this, she imposed sentences of 14 years of direct imprisonment for Accused 1 (Mthobisi Dlamini) and 10 years of direct imprisonment for Accused 2 (Xolani Njoko).

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) reiterates its strong stance against drug-related offences. We remain firm in our commitment to ensuring that those who contribute to the destruction of lives through drug trafficking face the full might of the law. The NPA will continue to deal harshly with perpetrators who poison our communities and endanger the future of our youth.

Issued by:

Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Northern Cape Division
MSenokoatsane@npa.gov.za
073 423 3539