Seven Nigerians have been sentenced to 105 years in jail by a South African court.
The Benoni Magistrates’ Court convicted the seven – Valentine Chigbo Okoye 36, Patrick Chime Uche 38, Chucks Ugo Thomas 37, Emeka Azodo 40, Chinaemelum Uba 24, and Chucku Imeka Ekwemozok, 34 – for dealing in drugs.
Gauteng Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Major General Prince Mokotedi welcomed the judgement handed down to the Nigerians.
South African law enforcement agents arrested the convicts in October 2014 after they were found packaging heroin with an estimated street value of R214 000, into small wrappings for distribution in Crystalpark Benoni.
The suspects were denied bail and were remanded in custody until their sentencing. The suspects were each sentenced to an effective fifteen (15) years imprisonment without an option of any fine, a combined sentence of 105 years, reported the South African Police Service on its Facebook page.
“This is indeed a welcomed precedent set by our courts and this will help our efforts to combat drug trafficking. We are proud of our team’s efforts in securing a successful prosecution in this matter. Such convictions will motivate our members to work even harder. From now on, drug dealers will feel the full might of the law, we are more determined to fight this scourge,” said Mokotedi.
