06 Jun 2023

Extension II Magistrate, Ms Kamogelo Mmesi, on Monday remanded in custody 11 men charged with a single count of trafficking in narcotic drugs (cannabis).

Magistrate Mmesi acceded to the request by the investigating team to remand the accused persons in custody as investigations were at an initial stage.

Pleading with the court to remand the accused, Investigating officer, Detective Sub-inspector Fitlhanang Kaloko argued that they were likely to interfere and jeopardise ongoing investigations.

Sub-inspector Kaloko said the case was likely to result in a breakthrough of the cartel that was dealing in dagga in Botswana.

“Our investigations are targeting various locations across the country, therefore releasing the accused on bail at an early stage is likely to frustrate efforts of breaking through the illegal sale of drugs in the country,” he said.

However, the accused persons’ attorney, Mr Bathusi Brown did not agree with the argument advanced by the prosecution, therefore urging the court to release his clients on bail.

The accused are Nelson Mmereki,42, a truck driver at Fast Trucking Company, Katlego Diboko,31, Boago Ramarumo,22, Keabetswe Moemele,42, Moabi Ranyere,43, Tshepo Matshaba,30, Mgucigi Dlamini,36, Lesego Bogatsu,34, Kemoitsile Kopaano,37, Katholo Molapo,44 and Phenyo Setshwantsho 31.

They are alleged to have on or about June 1 at or near Fast Trucking Company at Gaborone West Industrial jointly and unlawfully trafficked dagga, a narcotic substance.  Meanwhile, Senior Assistant Commissioner Nnunu Lesetedi of Botswana Police Service revealed that seven of the 11 accused were arrested with a truck ferrying cement from South Africa.

Mr Lesetedi said in between the cement bags, the search discovered and confiscated wrapped packages suspected to be dagga weighing 364kg.   He added that those who were to receive the consignment were nabbed at the point of collecting their parcels.

He said the accused were driving in seven vehicles and 10 of them were Batswana and one an eSwatini national.

The eSwatini national, he said was driving a Mercedes Benz without registration numbers and the investigations had revealed that the said vehicle was on transit to eSwatini.  

He added that the suspected drug had been taken to the forensic police laboratory for further examination. He said the truck driver was found in possession of cash around P7 000 suspected to be proceeds of the said crime.

Also, he said the police had observed that truck drivers were engaged in transporting and delivering drugs doing it as a side hustle without the knowledge of company owners. “The suspected drugs is estimated to have a street value of P800 000,” said Mr Lesetedi. Further, Mr Lesetedi said the accused were in the process of distributing the drugs across the country.

He indicated that a person found guilty of trafficking narcotic drugs or psycho tropical substances with the possibility of distributing or trafficking them was eligible to a jail term of up to 25 years and fine of up to P500 000.  The accused would appear for mention on June 19 for status update.  ENDS