Two Nigerian nationals arrested for drug dealing in South Africa

Two Nigerian nationals, Kenechi Ndukaife Atuchukwu, and Michael Okoya have appeared before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court in North West, South Africa, facing charges of possession of and dealing in drugs.

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, said Atuchukwu and Okoya’s appearance is the result of a lengthy investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, with guidance from the National Prosecuting Authority’s Organised Crime Component.

North West spokesperson for the Hawks, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula, said the investigation, which began in 2022, included an undercover operation where the 45-year-old Atuchukwu was allegedly caught red-handed selling drugs.

Following legal processes, a warrant of arrest was issued against Atuchukwu and executed on Friday in Klerksdorp.

“Atuchukwu is linked to a case involving his fellow countryman, Michael Okoya, who was arrested last week for alleged dealing in drugs,” said Mathebula.

In an update on Wednesday, Septemebr 17, 2025, Mathebula said the matter was postponed to 29 September for a formal bail application while the accused Nigerian nationals remain in police custody.

Meanwhile, North West acting head of the Hawks, Brigadier Georgia Moos, and the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, have welcomed the arrests of the alleged drug dealers.