NPA welcomes hefty sentences handed to WC drug kingpin Fadwaan Murphy, ex-wife

CAPE TOWN - The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Western Cape has welcomed the hefty sentences handed down to Fadwaan Murphy and his ex-wife, Shafieka Murphy.
 
The trial, which took five years, wrapped up on Friday in the Western Cape High Court.
 
Fadwaan and Shafieka Murphy were both sentenced to 18 and 12 years in prison respectively for drug dealing and money laundering.
 
In July last year, the man known as "Vet" became the first drug dealer in South Africa to be convicted under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.
 
He has also been fined R2 million on top of the charges.
 
The Western Cape High Court has also ordered that Murphy's assets be auctioned to cover the fine and other costs related to the execution of the warrant and sale of the assets.
 
Last year, Murphy was convicted of creating his company, Ulterior Trading Solutions CC, as a front to run his drug empire.
 
The State argued that his drug dealing came from his greed for money and power and that his actions destroyed communities in the Cape.
 
Provincial NPA spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila: "Western Cape director of public prosecutions, Advocate Nicolette Bell, applauded the investigating and prosecution team for their tenacity in piecing together the case despite the challenges they faced."
 
The Murphys will be back in court on Monday to appeal the sentencing.