KLERKSDORP, NORTH WEST — Nigerian nationals Kenechi Ndukaife Atuchukwu and Michael Okoya have been remanded in custody following their appearance in Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on charges of drug possession and dealing.
Their arrest is the result of a long-term undercover investigation conducted by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit, under the guidance of the National Prosecuting Authority’s Organised Crime Component.
According to Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula, the investigation began in 2022 and culminated when 45-year-old Atuchukwu was allegedly caught in the act of selling drugs. A warrant for his arrest was executed in Klerksdorp last Friday.
“Atuchukwu is linked to a case involving his fellow countryman, Michael Okoya, who was arrested last week for similar charges,” Mathebula confirmed.
The court has postponed the matter to 29 September for a formal bail hearing, with both suspects remaining in police custody.
The case has received praise from Brigadier Georgia Moos, acting head of the Hawks in North West, and Dr. Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in the province, who welcomed the successful arrests.
Earlier Related Arrests
In a December 2024 operation, police in Lichtenburg arrested a 48-year-old Nigerian man and a 33-year-old South African woman for drug possession and trafficking. The bust was led by the Hawks, working with the North West Provincial Drug Task Team and Lichtenburg K9 Unit.
Authorities seized:
649 mandrax tablets
40 packets of crystal meth
CAT drugs
Additional drugs worth R21,000 during a search at the suspect’s residence.
During processing, a 28-year-old South African woman, alleged to be the Nigerian suspect’s girlfriend, attempted to bribe the police to secure his release. She was arrested for corruption.
