The recent bail application for two of the five men arrested in connection with a R2 billion clandestine drug laboratory in Limpopo has been denied by the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court.
This ruling follows the apprehension of Gonzales Jorge Partida, 51; Gutierrez Lopes, 43; Melvin Khumalo, 34; Roelof Botha, 57; and Rodriguez Ruban Vidan, 44, who face serious charges related to the manufacturing, possession, and dealing of illicit drugs.
On July 19, 2024, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) executed intelligence-driven operations at a farm owned by Roelof Botha in Thaba e Monate, Groblersdal.
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The police uncovered extensive quantities of chemicals used in drug manufacturing and seized approximately 408.95 kilograms of methamphetamine, valued at around R1 billion. The arrested individuals also face money laundering charges, adding further gravity to their situation.
During the bail hearings, Botha and Khumalo sought release, while their co-accused, who hold Mexican nationality, abandoned their bids for bail. However, the investigating officer opposed the release, emphasizing the likelihood of the accused evading trial.
The court noted the strong case presented by the state against the men and concluded that they had failed to demonstrate any justifiable reason for their release. Consequently, the case has been postponed to November 8 for further investigations, with all five men remaining in custody.
