Two accused drug dealers aged 75 and 45, have appeared in court today. Their names are Kenneth Hind and Mark Herbert, they were arrested with drugs worth over 1.6 million rand, guns, firearm parts and a large undisclosed amount of money last week.
Their case is being heard at the Durban Magistrates Court for further proceedings. Last week the matter was postponed for the state to verify more information.
The state previously opposed the media application to film or photograph the accused saying it is was too early. There has now been changes in the matter, the accused now have a new lawyer and the state prosecutor is now Gayle Greyling, it was previously Calvin Govender.
The accused’s new lawyer is opposed to media filming or taking photographs of the accused, but the state this time around is arguing differently. Greyling has told the court this case is of public interest and media should be allowed to cover it.
KwaZulu-Natal police arrested these two suspects who were found in possession of drugs estimated to be worth 1.6 million rand, six firearms, firearm parts and an undisclosed large amount of money in Durban north.
They are facing charges of dealing in drugs, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. The pair was also found in possession of six passports of different nationalities.
Critics have argued that there is not much outrage because these accused are white people. They said if it was the Nigerians, many would have been gunning for their heads.
This also dispels the notion that African foreign nationals are the only ones dealing in drugs. Crime has no colour. Drugs is said to be a lucrative business in South African.
Many are putting their lives on the line in transporting these drugs to intended recipients because of money. Although the police have been making some progress, and clamping down on the key players, there is still much to be done.
