Two suspects accused of illegally selling antiretroviral (ARV) tablets in Kroonstad appeared before the Kroonstad Magistrates’ Court on 6 February and pleaded guilty on charges of being in possession of stolen goods.
The duo, Maholo Patrick Matsekane (34) and Malika Malewa (40), were both sentenced to paying a fine of R5 000 or facing three years’ imprisonment, plus another two years suspended for five years.
The sentencing was the culmination of arrests made by members of the Tactical Response Team (TRT) based in Welkom, who reacted to information received about the suspects being expected to sell ARV tablets in Kroonstad on 17 October 2020.
The police stopped the suspects’ vehicle, which matched the description provided, and upon searching it found two containers of ARV tablets.
The accused told the police that the containers belonged to a person who was at a guesthouse in Kroonstad.
On arrival at the guesthouse in question, the police members searched the rooms and discovered a total of 1 272 ARV tablets, with an estimated value of R480 000.
The matter was referred to the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team based in Welkom for further investigation.
