Byline: Nonjabuliso Nhlambo

20 August 2026

A 40-year-old Nigerian national, Arinze Collins Ngene, was denied bail by the Evander Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 20 August 2026, following his arrest on allegations of drug possession.

Ngene appeared before the court for a formal bail hearing after being arrested in Kinross on 13 August 2026. According to the allegations before the court, police found him in possession of drugs at the time of his arrest.

The State opposed his release on bail, arguing that Ngene did not have stable employment and that there was a risk he could commit similar offences if released.

The court was further informed that Ngene was already out on bail in another matter in which he was allegedly found in possession of drugs.

The prosecutor also raised concerns about Ngene’s immigration status, informing the court that his passport had expired. The State argued that this could make it difficult to ensure his attendance at future court proceedings and that he could potentially relocate to another area within the country.

The defence, however, argued that Ngene had strong ties to the community and should be granted bail.

His legal representative told the court that Ngene has two minor children whom he supports financially through income earned from odd jobs, including gardening and car washing.

The defence further argued that Ngene had been living at the same address in Kinross for approximately two years, which they submitted indicated that he was not a flight risk.

However, in delivering judgment, the court found that Ngene had failed to provide sufficient evidence to substantiate his claims regarding his children and financial responsibilities.

The court noted that no documentary evidence was presented to prove the existence of the alleged minor children or to demonstrate that Ngene was financially supporting them. The claims were therefore treated as unsubstantiated.

The court consequently found that Ngene had not placed sufficient evidence before it to demonstrate that he was a suitable candidate for release on bail.

His bail application was denied, and he was remanded in custody.

Ngene is expected to appear again before the Evander Magistrate’s Court on 17 September 2026 for further investigations.