Drug dealer sentenced to five years

KNYSNA NEWS - A 24-year-old drug dealer was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment yesterday, 1 June, after he was found guilty of dealing in unlawful dependence-producing substances.

According to Hawks spokesperson Captain Yolisa Mgolodela, Gashley May (24) was sentenced in the Knysna Magistrate's Court yesterday, three months after his conviction on 25 February, when he pled guilty on the charges.

"The sentencing originates from the successful investigation and completion of [a] narcotics project investigation by [the] South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (Saneb) team of [the] Gqeberha Organised Crime Unit of the Hawks which resulted in the arrest of May during September 2021," Mgolodela said.

"He was arrested for his conducts dating from 17 April 2018 to 2 June 2018." According to Mgolodela, the project in its entirety covered the Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Gauteng provinces.

Following his arrest, May was released on bail and, after a few court appearances, he delivered his plea in February, leading to the sentencing yesterday.

"May was given seven years' imprisonment, two of which [are] suspended for a period of four years provided he does not commit the same offence," Mgolodela explained.

"He was further declared to be unfit to possess a firearm by the court. The Gqeberha Saneb was given a thumbs-up by the provincial head, Major-General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, for the success."

The sentencing took place in the Knysna Magistrate's Court yesterday. Photo: Blake Linder