GARDEN ROUTE | KAROO NEWS - Four alleged drug smugglers, Lindela Lofani (44), Hlalanathi Lofani (46), Mzimasi Lofani (41) and Bongani Kenny Mgqatse (51), appeared in the George Magistrate's Court yesterday, 1 February.
They face charges of dealing in illicit drugs and contravening the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.
According to a spokesperson for the Hawks, Zinzi Hani, this follows a multidisciplinary operation executed on Monday 31 January, by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime team from George and Gqeberha, the George K9 unit, Public Order Police Unit (Pops) Southern Cape, and teams from the Oudtshoorn and Motherwell Crime Intelligence.
Numerous properties were searched during the operation and four suspects were arrested.
The arrests followed an extensive investigation by the team targeting a suspected organised crime group alleged to have been involved in securing cannabis from several cultivators based in the rural villages of the Eastern Cape.
Once the required quantity of cannabis was secured it would be moved to the Southern Cape.
"The team moved and swooped in on the suspects in the early hours of the morning of 31 January, after a warrant of arrest was obtained," said Hani.
The four briefly appeared in the George Magistrate’s Court on 1 February where the case was remanded until Friday 4 February.
A fifth suspect, a 32-year-old, was also traced and arrested by the George Hawks. He will make his first appearance, after which the cases will be combined.
All five accused will then appear together on Friday.
