DRUG DEALER SENTENCED

Crime Scene Logo

By: Neo Ntsele

On 4 May 2026, the Bethlehem Magistrates Court sentenced Ernest Ratladiela Semela, aged 26, to a seven-year prison term for drug dealing.

In April 2024, Bethlehem detectives acted on a tip about an unlicensed firearm at a shack in Captain Charles, Bohlokong. During their search of the premises, they found several sachets of crystal meth, mandrax tablets, nyaope plastic wraps, dagga, and more than R56,000 in cash.

The accused was immediately arrested.

Detectives from the Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit in Bethlehem successfully testified in court to oppose bail until the accused was convicted and sentenced on 4 May 2026.