A 26 year-old South African man identified as Bhekizizwe Radebe has been sentenced to five years in prison by the Standerton Magistrates’ Court after being found guilty of drug-related charges.
Two years of his sentence were suspended for five years on the condition that he does not commit further offenses under Sections 5(b) or 4(b) of the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act during this period.
He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm under Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act. Radebe’s arrest occurred on 18 October 2022 at around 5pm when Standerton Vispol officers, conducting a routine patrol, noticed him acting suspiciously while carrying a backpack.
Upon searching him, police discovered 1017 pieces of cocaine and 17 Mandrax tablets, with an estimated street value of R80,680.
They also confiscated R110 in cash found in his possession. After being detained for drug dealing, Radebe attempted to bribe the officers, resulting in an additional charge of bribery.