Rita Odafe
Two undocumented Nigerian nationals were arrested in South Africa for drug-related offenses.
The men are currently in custody pending further legal proceedings.
On November 29, 2024, Ikemukwu Benjermin Ezirim and Christian Valentine Uchenna faced the court in Volkrust.
According to Captain Dineo Sekgotodi, who speaks for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), they were apprehended on Thursday during an extensive operation involving various crime investigation units in Secunda.
Authorities acted on a tip-off about drug activities and discovered the suspects trying to destroy evidence by flushing drugs down a toilet as they entered the property.
Upon their arrest, additional drugs were located hidden within the vehicle and its tires. During the investigation, it was found that both men were lacking valid documentation.
Sekgotodi reported that authorities seized drugs valued at R1.2 million, R2000 in cash, five cellphones worth around R15,000, a silver weighing scale, and a Silver Mercedes-Benz C180 valued at approximately R400,000.
Both individuals were remanded in custody after their court appearance.
The court case has been adjourned until December 9, 2024, for the bail application.
Hawks provincial head Nicholas Jacobus Gerber commended the local community for the crucial information that led to the arrests and drug confiscation.
