WESTERN CAPE - Western Cape police management applauded the sterling work by the investigation and prosecution teams for the eight year direct imprisonment imposed on a drug pedlar handed down at the Regional Court in George on Friday, 26 August 2022 after a lengthy trial.

On 11 April 2012, Outeniqua K9 members operationalised information on a consignment of drugs in the possession of a passenger on board a long distance bus enroute from Johannesburg to George. The vigilant members conducted an intensive search of the bus at a local filling station where they found the woman with 2948 mandrax tablets with an estimated street value of R147 400-00 in her possession. Police confiscated the find and arrested the woman, Sandra Botlani (48) from Lawaaikamp (George), on a charge of possession of drugs.

Western Cape Provincial Organised Crime Investigation (Narcotic Section) conducted the investigation which resulted in the conviction and subsequent sentencing. The investigation at the time also revealed that the consignment was destined for distribution in George.

The provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, commended the team for due diligence which ensured a lengthy incarceration. He said: “Our strategic deployment of policing resources along highways and identified locations are bearing fruit. This conviction and incarceration are testament to the success of the concerted efforts by police to rid Western Cape communities of drugs”.

Source: South African Police Service