Crime

Nigerian Arrested in South Africa for Drug Offenses; How Accomplices Granted Bail

Published by Tope Fakinlede on December 29th, 2024.

Nigerian Arrested in South Africa for Drug Offenses; How Accomplices Granted Bail

A 48-year-old Nigerian man, Theophilus Ejiofor, has been arrested and jailed in South Africa in connection with a drug trafficking operation, while his South African girlfriend, Violet Magqoki, 28, was granted bail. The pair were involved in selling illegal substances in Lichtenburg, South Africa.

Ejiofor and his accomplice, 33-year-old Kgomotso Pholoholo, were detained after attempting to sell drugs worth R40,000. The drugs included 649 mandrax tablets, 40 packets of crystal meth, and a plastic bag containing CAT (methcathinone) drugs.

Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula, spokesperson for the Hawks in North West, confirmed the arrests. “An undercover operation was carried out, which led to the arrest of the individuals shortly after the drug sale,” Mathebula explained.

During a search of Ejiofor’s residence, authorities seized additional drugs, including crystal meth with an estimated street value of R15,000 and CAT drugs valued at R6,000.

While Pholoholo was granted bail of R1,000, Ejiofor remains in custody as his bail hearing has been postponed. Magqoki, who is suspected to be Ejiofor’s girlfriend, was also charged with corruption after allegedly attempting to bribe police officers for his release. She was arrested and granted bail of R1,000 as well.

Both Magqoki and Ejiofor will appear in court again on Monday for further proceedings. Mathebula noted that the arrests were part of an ongoing effort by law enforcement to tackle drug trafficking in the region.