The Welkom Magistrates’ Court has sentenced two men, Rammatli Joseph Ntaidate (35) and Nhlanhla Lucky Ndawo (27), for dealing in drugs and possession of narcotics. Ndawo received a six-year prison term, while Ntaidate was fined R8,000 and handed a five-year suspended sentence.
The convictions stem from a 2020 investigation by Welkom-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation detectives, who uncovered drug-related activities at a house in the area. Authorities enlisted the help of Crime Intelligence and the Flying Squad to assist in the operation.
On 20 October 2020, law enforcement officers surveilled the property and observed a suspicious vehicle leaving the premises. After pursuing and searching the car, they discovered cash concealed inside a sound system compartment. This find prompted a return to the house, where additional cash and a large quantity of drugs were seized.
Police recovered mandrax tablets worth over R1 million and R270,000 in cash.
