Two undocumented Nigerian nationals, Ikemukwu Benjermin Ezirim (39) and Christian Valentine Uchenna (37), have been arrested in South Africa for drug-related offenses.
The suspects appeared before the Volkrust Magistrate’s Court in Mpumalanga on Friday, November 29, 2024, after being apprehended during a multidisciplinary operation led by the Secunda-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, alongside other law enforcement units.
Captain Dineo Sekgotodi, spokesperson for the Hawks (Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation), revealed that the arrests were the result of intelligence-based operations targeting individuals involved in drug trafficking.
“Upon arrival at the identified address, the suspects attempted to dispose of the evidence by flushing some of the drugs down the toilet,” Sekgotodi said.
Further searches uncovered more drugs concealed in the suspects’ vehicle, including hidden compartments in the body and tires. The operation yielded:
• Drugs valued at R1.2 million (approximately N111 million).
• R2,000 in cash.
• Five cellphones worth R15,000.
• A silver weighing scale.
• A Silver Mercedes-Benz C180 worth R400,000.
The suspects, who were found without valid documents, were charged and detained. They appeared in court on Friday, where they were remanded in custody pending a bail application scheduled for December 9, 2024.
Nicholas Jacobus Gerber, the provincial head of the Hawks, commended community members for their cooperation and valuable information that led to the successful arrests and seizure of the drugs.