WINDHOEK – An alleged informer for the Drug Squad of the Namibia Police appeared in court on charges of dealing in drugs. Hendrick Jacobus Petrus Scholtz pleaded not guilty to a charge of dealing in cocaine, alternatively possession of potentially dangerous dependence-producing drugs on Monday before Magistrate Hileni Kavara.
His lawyer Sarel Maritz confirmed the plea and told the court that his client’s defense was that he was acting as an informer and trap for the narcotics branch of the Namibian Police especially for Chief Inspector Hermie van Zyl.
He denied having had intention to commit the alleged offence.
The State alleges that Scholtz dealt in or had in his possession 341.9835 grams of powder/pieces of cocaine and 47.8928 grams of cream powder of cocaine containing more than 0.1% cocaine calculated as cocaine alkaloid being 389.8763 grams of cocaine with a value of N$212 500 on 12 January, 2012 in Cimbebasia. Scholtz was arrested on 12 January, 2012 and made a first appearance on 16 January, 2012 when he was denied bail. He was however granted bail of N$25 000 after the State dropped its objection and remains free on bail. The case was postponed on Monday to 13 May for the Prosecutor General’s decision.
By Roland Routh