Western Cape Police Management welcomes 16 year sentence for dealing in drugs

The police management in the Western Cape welcomed the sentencing of two accused to a combined sentence of 16 years imprisonment meted against them at the Regional Court in Oudtshoorn on 07 June 2023. They were each convicted on a charge of dealing in drugs.

This sentence emanates from a bust on 19 September 2017 at about 00:24 when members were strategically deployed, manning a vehicle check point (VCP) at an entry point to the province along the N1 at Beaufort West. The members pulled over a vehicle and proceeded with a search. During the search they found 56, 38kg dagga with an estimated street value of R 112 760-00 in possession of the occupants. Both occupants of the vehicle were subsequently arrested in connection with the find and charged with dealing in drugs.

Detectives attached to the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Narcotics section based in Beaufort West probed the find which led to the conviction and ultimate sentencing of the pair.

Monwabisi Gqumeni (38), was sentenced to 6 years’ imprisonment while Ongeziwe Mantwanantle (28) was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment.

Police management in the Western Cape lauded the consistence and vigilance of all members and investigation team involved for their diligent work done. These arrests, intense investigation and conviction of the pair are in line with the policing strategy of the province to curb the influx of illicit drugs, firearms and goods into the Western Cape. Sentences imposed should also serve as a deterrent to mules using highways, byways and secondary routes for drug trafficking. They will face the full might of the law once arrested.

Source: South African Police Service