Sixth arrest in suspected drug cartel

GEORGE NEWS - A sixth suspect has been added to the group of five who were arrested and charged on suspicion of dealing in illicit drugs in February this year.

They are also facing a charge of contravening the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.

According to a spokesperson for the Hawks Serious Organised Investigation team, Zinzi Hani, their members from George arrested Simphiwe September Fakilahle (48) in Queenstown on Thursday 10 March.

Fakilahle made his first appearance in the George Magistrate's Court on Monday 14 March, where the case was postponed for bail information to today, Thursday 16 March.

He will soon appear alongside his co-accused, Lindela Lofani (44), Hlalanathi Lofani (46), Mzimasi Lofani (41), Bongani Kenny Mgqatse (51) and Someleze Nkawule (32), whose next court appearance is scheduled for 28 March.

Three of them, Lindela, Hlalanathi and Mzimasi Lofani, were arrested in Thembalethu on 31 January. Mgqatse was arrested in Gqeberha on the same day and Nkawule was arrested in Thembalethu a day after his alleged accomplices.

The first five suspects appeared in court on 4 February and were all released on bail ranging from R3 000 to R6 000.

Someleze Nkawule.

The latest arrest follows an intelligence-driven operation conducted by the Hawks teams from George and Gqeberha, George K9 unit, Public Order Policing Southern Cape and Oudtshoorn, as well as Motherwell Crime Intelligence.

"The arrests come after an extensive investigation by the team targeting a suspected organised crime group that was allegedly sourcing cannabis from rural villages of the Eastern Cape to distribute it in Southern Cape outlets," said Hani.

The combined exact value of the cannabis is believed to be millions of rand.

Lindela Lofani.