Mbuso Janvier Kikaranga (35) appeared in the Bethal Magistrate Court for charges of dealing and conspiracy in dealing in drugs on Monday, 20 June 2022. This follows his arrest Wednesday, 15 June in New Castle for possession of stolen vehicle reportedly stolen in Embalenhle.
Kikaranga was additionally charged for his alleged involvement in a drug dealing criminal group, to which he was dubbed the main suspect and ring leader.
He had been on the run since 28 June 2021, during the take down operation of “Dream On”, a project driven investigation executed by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigating team that led to the arrest of eleven (11) suspects involved in the criminal group that worked in a tandem arrangement.
Consequently a warrant of arrest was issued for three counts of dealing in drugs which were added to a charge of possession of stolen vehicle upon his arrest and subsequent first court appearance.
The case against the suspect was postponed to the 4 July 2022 for a formal bail application.
Meanwhile his accomplices are expected to appear on the same day at Bethal Regional court and Kikaranga will at the later stage appear along his alleged accomplices.
