A drug dealer, Goodwill Ogudimmo, 47, has been found guilty and convicted by the Evander Magistrate for dealing in drugs and conspiracy in manufacturing drugs. Drug dealers bag 8-yrs jail term was convicted on Monday, February 22, 2021.
Police spokesperson, Captain Sekgotodi Dineo Lucy, said that Ogundimmo’s conviction followed a long major investigation which started in September 2014 whereby a criminal group consisting of nine accused were investigated for manufacturing and dealing in drugs in the Gert Sibanade area. The nine accused were reportedly arrested during clampdown action on the 06 September 2014 in Evander and Gauteng Province.
According to Captain Dineo Lucy, “The bail application was denied for all nine accused and seven of them opted for plea agreements.
“They were all convicted and sentenced to eight years direct imprisonment in 2018, on condition that the accused pay back the state the money which was used to purchase the drugs during the operation. “The ninth accused opted to undergo trial after he was granted R10 000.00 bail after he appealed from the High Court. The case is postponed to 11 May 2021 for trial.
“Ogudimmo who was in custody since 06 September 2014 after his bail was denied also took a plea agreement and was convicted as follows:
Count 1 – dealing in drugs – 8 years imprisonment
Count 2- dealing in drugs – 8 years imprisonment
Count 3 – conspiracy in manufacturing and dealing in drugs – 5 years imprisonment
Count 4 – conspiracy in manufacturing and dealing in drugs – 5 years imprisonment.
Count 2, 3 and 4 are to run concurrently with count 1.”
The police spokesperson quoted the Provincial Head for the Directorate for priority Crime Investigation Mpumalanga, Major General Zodwa Mokoena, as commending the virtuous works performed by the investigation team and the judiciary for ensuring that this group of criminals are sent to jail and also believe that the sentence will serve as a deterrent to those who are still involved in criminal activities.
“In Mpumalanga, there is a zero tolerance approach on drugs. We also appeal to the community to report those who are involved in drug peddling around their arears,” Major General Mokoena concluded.