Published – 16:55, January 02, 2026
By Thabelo Ramulifho
A Mozambican national has been sentenced to ten years in prison by a South African court after being apprehended with crystal methamphetamine valued at over R4 million. Jorge Salomao Chimene, 39, was intercepted by the South African Police Service (SAPS) at the Lebombo Port of Entry in June 2024, preventing a significant drug trafficking operation.
Chimene was the sole occupant of a minibus when police discovered 17 kilograms of crystal meth, meticulously concealed within various compartments of the vehicle, including its speakers. The street value of the seized narcotics is estimated at R4,250,000.
Following his arrest, the case was promptly handed over to the Hawks’ Nelspruit-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit for further action.The Hawks successfully argued against bail, presenting evidence that clearly indicated Chimene’s intent to smuggle the drugs from Mozambique into South Africa.
This decisive action by law enforcement underscored the gravity of the charges and the organised nature of the crime.On Thursday, 29 January 2026, Chimene appeared in court, where he pleaded guilty to charges of drug possession. South Africa is the destination of drugs especially from overseas and other neighboring countries.
The court subsequently handed down a ten-year imprisonment sentence. Seven years of this sentence have been conditionally suspended for a period of three years, contingent on Chimene not being found guilty of a similar offence during that time. This sentencing marks a significant victory for South African authorities in their ongoing efforts to combat cross-border drug trafficking.