On 30 September 2021, the East London Regional Court sentenced a foreign national, Johan Turyamureba (25) for numerous charges of contravening the Medicines and Related Substances Act.
The East London based Hawks’ South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau in an intelligence driven operation together with the East London Crime Intelligence Gathering arrested Johan for allegations of selling cytotec tablets to the members of the community in East London.
Cytotec tablets are under Schedule 4 category under the Medicine and related substances which is only dealt, sold and distributed by registered medical practitioners or pharmacists.
Between 17 and 27 August 2021, three successful purchases of abortion tablets were conducted during the clandestine operation. On 27 August 2021, 26 tablets worth R4500-00 were confiscated and Johan was immediately arrested.
He made his first court appearance on 30 August 2021 and was convicted after a series of court appearances in the East London Regional Court.
He was sentenced to five years direct imprisonment or a R50 000-00 fine. He further received a five-year suspended sentence.
