The East London based Serious Organised Crime Investigation team of the Hawks in a joint disruptive operation with East London Crime Intelligence (CI) arrested Zolani Maxam (40) on 2 August 2023 for failure to appear in East London court for his sentencing on two (2) counts of dealing in drugs.

Maxam was found guilty on 20 July 2022 by the East London Court. He was then sentenced to three (3) years direct imprisonment, however he lodged an appeal to challenge his sentencing at Grahamstown High court. Maxam was released on bail pending the appeal process. In July 2023, the Grahamstown High court dismissed Maxam’s appeal and confirmed his sentencing.

Maxam was actually served with all the necessary documents for him to surrender himself to the clerk of the East London Magistrates’ Court within 48 hours however, he failed to do so. Moreover, the information revealed that the warrant of arrest was then issued. The Hawks team received an information that Maxam was identified and seen at a taxi rank. The team followed the information truly indeed, he was identified and apprehended on the spot.

Maxam appeared in the East London Magistrates’ Court on the same day where the magistrate committed Maxam to commence with his sentence.

The Provincial Head, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya congratulated the disruptive joint operation by both the Hawks and CIG for doing a tremendous job in making sure that the accused faced the full might of the law.

Source: South African Police Service