A Nigerian man, Theophilus Ejiofor, 48, has been jailed while his South African girlfriend, Violet Magqoki, 28, was granted bail following their involvement in a drug-dealing case in Lichtenburg, South Africa.
Ejiofor and his accomplice, Kgomotso Pholoholo, 33, were arrested during an undercover operation by the Hawks, which uncovered drugs valued at R40,000, including 649 mandrax tablets, 40 packets of crystal meth, and a plastic bag containing CAT drugs.
Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula, spokesperson for the Hawks in North West, detailed the arrest: “An undercover operation was conducted, leading to the arrest of the pair soon after selling drugs worth R40,000. A subsequent search at Ejiofor’s residence uncovered additional drugs valued at R21,000.”
While Ejiofor remains in custody pending his bail hearing, Pholoholo was granted bail of R1,000. Magqoki, identified as Ejiofor’s girlfriend, faced an additional charge of corruption after attempting to bribe police officers to secure his release. She was arrested and later granted bail of R1,000.
“The operation was part of ongoing efforts to combat drug dealing in the region,” Mathebula said, emphasizing the commitment to dismantling drug networks in North West Province.
The case against Ejiofor and Magqoki is set to continue on Monday, as authorities ramp up efforts to address drug-related crimes in the area.