WESTERN CAPE – The police management of the Western Cape welcomed the forfeiture of a farm to the state following several sting operations on the premises that culminated in serious drug related convictions. On Thursday, 03 August 2023 the court granted an application by state to forfeit the farm known as Melkhoutfontein to the state after it was found that the premises were used for purpose of dealing in drugs.
Still Bay police noted an increase in property related incidents, mostly burglaries and theft, between 2018 and 2020. Investigations into these cases revealed that houses or businesses are being burgled and stolen items dropped at the farm and sold in exchange for drugs. These drugs were then used to sustain their addiction, whilst drug dealers got expensive items ultimately at a fraction of the actual value. This necessitated an effective crime combatting operation which led to several clandestine operations conducted on the farm.
Investigations commenced during 2020, led by Constable Christiaan Swiegelaar attached to the Still Bay police with a special focus on the farm where drug dens were operated from buildings known as “Klubhuis” and “Bakkery”. Clandestine operations using technology yielded excellent results with the confiscation of tik, mandrax and dagga. A total of ten drug dealers were ultimately convicted on charges of dealing in drugs. They were subsequently sentenced to either direct imprisonment or hefty fines.
An application to forfeit the farm to the state which was mainly used for drug activities was subsequently brought, in terms of Section 25 of the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act, after the conclusion of criminal cases. It was also established that no agricultural activities were taking place on the farm. Testimonies and evidence were brought before court by Constable Christiaan Swiegelaar, a convicted drug dealer who is currently serving his person sentence, the drug dealer’s father as well as a local school principal amongst others. All evidence or affidavits presented were in support of the application. All those who testified and produced evidence painted a gruesome picture of the effect of the illicit drug trade on children, families and the community at large.
Intricate investigation and prosecution found that the farm stretching over 68 hectares of land was being used for the purpose of dealing in illicit drugs and was subsequently forfeited to the state.
Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, applauded the investigation officer, National Prosecuting Authority, provincial police’s legal services and the Still Bay station management for bringing a successful forfeiture application. He said, “The outcome of this prosecution and forfeiture application is evident of what could be achieved when all role-players work together to the benefit of the public. This is a ground-breaking case. One of the first where an immovable property used for illicit drug activities is forfeited to the state. This case should send a stern warning to landlords who allow their properties to be used for illegal activities. Similar proceedings will be enacted in our efforts to close down drug dens which threaten the safety of communities especially women and children”, says Lt Gen Patekile.
Content retrieved from: https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=47709.
