NORTHERN CAPE – The Hawks intelligence driven investigation project, that started in 2004 yielded desired result in ensuring that dagga dealers detained in Prieska and their illegal business enterprise operations were completely halted.
Dawid Morris, (60), William Thyaliti,(49), Pieter George, (48) and James Boostaander, (37) were on Monday, 23 October 2017, sentenced for various charges of dealing in Cannabis with additional charges of Racketeering. They were convicted on 7 June 2016 for drugs by the Regional Court in Prieska following their arrest in November 2005, during the Hawks operation aimed at eradicating prevalent drug in area.
Thyaliti was sentenced to eight (8) years and 9 months for three (3) counts of Dealing in Cannabis and racketeering, he will effectively serve five (5) years direct imprisonment.
Morris was sentenced to 26 years imprisonment for ten (10) counts of dealing in cannabis and racketeering, he will effectively serve fourteen (14) years imprisonment.
George was sentenced to four (4) years and six (6) months imprisonment for two counts of dealing in cannabis and racketeering and will effectively serve three years imprisonment.
Boostaander was sentenced to five (5) years and nine (9) months imprisonment for two counts of dealing in cannabis and racketeering and will effectively serve three years imprisonment.
The remaining years of their sentences was suspended for five years on condition that they do not commit similar offences.
In a separate and unrelated incident, Hawks Serious Organised Crime unit members conducted a disruptive operation on Tuesday, 24 October 2017 at about 03:00 on the N14 road between Upington and Olifantshoek. Consequently, a 37-year-old suspect was arrested in possession of 2043 Mandrax tablets worth an estimated street value of R204 300. He is expected to appear in Upington Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 25 October 2017.
The Northern Cape Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) applauded the drug bust and welcomed the court outcomes against the duo sentenced for dealing in dagga and racketeering. “We hope that the sentence sends a very strong message to drug dealers to refrain from killing our nation with drugs” said Hawks Provincial Head, Major General Galawe.
