MAN SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS FOR DEALING IN DRUGS
The Calvinia Regional Court has sentenced Lewis Johnson (59), to 15 years of direct imprisonment for dealing drugs. On 08 May 2022, The accused, originally from Mozambique, was travelling through Calvinia on his way to the Western Cape, with 12 kilograms of methamphetamine. According to expert evidence, the street value of the drugs was approximately R3.5 million. The accused was arrested after police found him with the drugs.
The prosecution initially successfully opposed bail and the accused brought an application for bail on new facts, and he was granted bail of R20 000. The accused however evaded his trial during September 2022, when the trial was at an advanced stage. The accused did not come back to court, after closing arguments, before the judgement could be delivered. A warrant of arrest was issued and was arrested in May 2023. The bail was forfeited to the state and the accused remained in custody until the matter was finalised.
In aggravation of sentence, Regional Court Prosecutor Solly Sass argued that the court should sentence the accused to a prescribed sentence for such a crime as the accused did not show any remorse, as he also tried to evade his day in court. The prosecutor also emphasised the importance of the court sentencing the accused to a lengthy prison term, as it will send a clear message to other traders of illicit drugs, that the justice system will deal decisively with those who sell drugs as they destroy communities, particularly young people.
The court sentenced the accused to 15 years of direct imprisonment and the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU), has obtained a provisional forfeiture order for the vehicle (Isuzu bakkie) and the money that was found in the vehicle.
