Heavy sentences for SA dagga duo

THE trial of two men caught late last year with the largest consignment of dagga ever seized in Namibia were sentenced in the Khomas Regional Court yesterday.

South African citizens Mxolisi Motha (53) and Bizzi Mahlangu (38) were both sentenced to five years’ imprisonment, added to either a N$30 000 fine or six more years in jail. On November 6 last year, the two were caught with 544 kg of dagga hidden among the goods they were transporting to Namibia on a furniture truck.The goods were to be delivered to a furniture shop in Walvis Bay.The street value of the dagga was estimated at N$1,6 million.At the time of their arrest, the Police said a tip-off had led to the sting operation.The Police’s Drug Law Enforcement Unit commander, Chief Inspector Barry De Klerk, said at the time that the size of the consignment indicated that the two were part of a larger syndicate operating between Namibia and South Africa.During arguments in mitigation of sentence, Motha and Mahlangu said they had worked for the South African company MDE Transport for 14 and eight years respectively, earning salaries of N$4 000 and N$2 500.Motha said he was the father of seven children.On November 6 last year, the two were caught with 544 kg of dagga hidden among the goods they were transporting to Namibia on a furniture truck.The goods were to be delivered to a furniture shop in Walvis Bay.The street value of the dagga was estimated at N$1,6 million.At the time of their arrest, the Police said a tip-off had led to the sting operation.The Police’s Drug Law Enforcement Unit commander, Chief Inspector Barry De Klerk, said at the time that the size of the consignment indicated that the two were part of a larger syndicate operating between Namibia and South Africa. During arguments in mitigation of sentence, Motha and Mahlangu said they had worked for the South African company MDE Transport for 14 and eight years respectively, earning salaries of N$4 000 and N$2 500.Motha said he was the father of seven children.