The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit in Bloemfontein issued court summons to two foreign nationals, aged 44 and 53, on Tuesday 20 August. The pair had previously been arrested, but their case was removed from the court roll due to a legal technicality.
“Hawks detectives have successfully applied for the matter to be reinstated, culminating in summons being issued,” stated Hawks spokesperson Captain Christopher Singo.
The initial arrests in March 2020 followed a targeted investigation led by the Hawks. This project was specifically designed to disrupt and dismantle an identified drug trafficking operation.
“Intelligence indicated that the suspects were allegedly distributing drugs around the Free State, operating from a salon, tavern, and a jewellery shop in Bloemfontein,” said Singo. “It was further discovered that they were using their business to legitimise the money that they generated from dealing in drugs.”
The suspects are scheduled to appear before the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court on 9 September, to face charges of drug trafficking.
Free State Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Mokgadi Bokaba, emphasised that the withdrawal of a case does not necessarily signify its conclusion.
Compiled by Warren Hawkins
