Nigerian drug dealer found guilty and sentenced

Umefulum Chigozi Hendry, a 51-year-old Nigerian national, has been found guilty and convicted by the Polokwane Regional Court on charges of drug possession. He was sentenced on Friday, April 19, 2024.

The court heard that Hendry was arrested on September 12, 2022, by members of the Provincial Organized Crime Unit in the Polokwane policing area at his home in Mamahule village, located outside Polokwane.

He was in possession of drugs valued at R20,000, and a case docket was registered at Polokwane South African Police Service (SAPS) for further investigation.

The case was assigned to Investigating Officer Sergeant Mogashoa Lekganyane, who worked diligently to build a strong case against Hendry.

After his arrest, Hendry was granted bail by the Polokwane Regional Court. On Friday, the case concluded, and Hendry was found guilty.

He was sentenced to either pay a fine of R30,000 or serve five years’ imprisonment in accordance with Section 25 of Act 140/1992, with the drugs forfeited to the state. Additionally, he was declared unfit to possess a firearm under Section 105(2) of Act 60/2000.

The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the court’s decision and praised the meticulous investigation conducted by the Investigating Officer and other team members.

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