Michael Okoya (51), a Nigerian national, made his initial appearance in the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 09 September 2025, facing a charge of dealing in drugs. The case has been postponed for further investigation.
Okoya’s court appearance follows his arrest on Monday, 08 September 2025, by a joint operation comprising members of the North West Provincial Anti-Drug Team and the Tactical Response Team (TRT). The arrest was the culmination of a week-long manhunt.
The investigation began with a search and seizure operation conducted at Okoya’s Klerksdorp flat on 02 September 2025. The operation was led by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit, in collaboration with Crime Intelligence and the TRT. During the search, authorities confiscated a significant quantity of drugs, including crystal meth, cat, and mandrax tablets, with an estimated street value of over R1.5 million. However, the suspect was not present at the premises at the time.
Following up on intelligence, members of the North West Provincial Anti-Drug Team and TRT successfully located and apprehended Okoya on Monday.
The suspect was remanded in custody after his court appearance. His matter has been postponed to 17 September 2025 to allow for further investigation.
