Rita Odafe
A 48-year-old Nigerian man and his 33-year-old South African girlfriend were arrested on charges related to illegal drug possession and trafficking.
The arrest occurred on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, as part of a collaborative operation involving South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, along with the North West drug task force and Lichtenburg K9 unit.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula, a spokesperson for the Hawks, the arrest followed leads about the Nigerian individual allegedly selling narcotics in Lichtenburg.
“An undercover investigation was initiated, resulting in the couple’s capture after they sold drugs worth R40,000, including 649 mandrax tablets, 40 packets of crystal meth, and a plastic bag containing CAT drugs,” reported Mathebula.
“A subsequent search of the man’s residence revealed additional crystal meth valued at R15,000 and CAT drugs estimated at R6,000.”
During the arrest process, the Nigerian man, along with his South African girlfriend and another South African woman, who is also linked to him, faced allegations of corruption when the latter attempted to bribe officers for the release of her boyfriend.
“She was then taken into custody and charged with corruption,” Mathebula stated.
The three individuals are scheduled to appear in front of the Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
