NORTHERN CAPE – Thandeka Maseko (29), was convicted and sentenced by Kimberley Magistrate’s Court yesterday, 25 July 2022 for possession of drugs and illegal immigration.

Maseko was arrested during May 2022 by the Hawks Serious Organise Crime Investigation team after receiving information about a delivery of dagga from Johannesburg to Kimberley. The team responded swiftly and identified a minibus taxi whereby it was searched and dagga weighting 2.80kg was found in a travel bag of the accused. Upon interviewing the accused, it was established that the suspect is in the country illegally. She was further charged with contravention of Immigration Act.

Maseko was sentenced as follows:

Count 1; possession of drugs, the accused was sentenced to a fine of R20 000-00 or 20 months imprisonment of which half of the sentence is suspended for a period of five years on condition that the accused is not convicted of any offence relating to the contravention of Section 4 (possession) and 5 (dealing) of the Drugs and Drugs Trafficking Act 140 of 1992 during the period of suspension.

On count 2: illegal immigration, she was sentenced to R2 000-00 or three months imprisonment, half of the said sentence be suspended for a period of three years on condition that she is not convicted of the same offence during the period of suspension. Accused was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Source: South African Police Service