Senior Public Prosecutor Christopher Bouman commended the conviction by the District Court in Upington of Lucia Louw (44) and Raynard Jacobs (23) on “charges of dealing in cannabis following a successful undercover police operation”.
In a statement issued on 12 September 2025, titled ‘Two Drug Dealers Convicted After Succesful Undercover Operation’, Bouman said the operation that yielded 30 bags of cannabis worth R300 was “another step forward in the fight against the scourge of drugs destroying the future of South Africa’s youth. It demonstrates that the prosecution, working with SAPS, will hold drug dealers accountable.”
The NPA statement reads as follows:
On 5 August 2022, the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Upington, acting under section 252A of the Criminal Procedure Act, deployed an undercover agent after receiving information that Louw was selling drugs from her home.
The agent purchased 30 “Ziplock” bags of cannabis from the accused in exchange for R300. During the trial, the defence challenged the admissibility of the evidence, alleging harassment and improper targeting.
A trial-within-a-trial was held, but the State, represented by Public Prosecutor Tlotlo Gregory Tshwaro, proved that both accused voluntarily participated in the transaction. The court upheld the admissibility of the evidence, referencing case law including Kotze v The State (2009). Faced with overwhelming evidence, both accused admitted guilt and were convicted.
In aggravation, Prosecutor Tshwaro emphasised the serious harm caused by drug dealers, citing The State v Randall (Western Cape High Court), which described them as unscrupulous criminals who endanger society. The court sentenced each accused to a R30,000 fine or five years’ imprisonment, plus a further three years’ imprisonment wholly suspended for five years.
In addition, the court ordered that Louw’s house be forfeited to the State in terms of section 25 of the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) applauds the prosecution team, led by Prosecutor Tshwaro, and the SAPS for their tireless efforts. Entrapment cases are often complex, yet this case underscores the strength of collaboration in building safer, healthier communities.
