Random prosecutions continue against ‘grey zone’ operators with the Hawks hailing the conviction of an elderly Somerset West woman for dealing in R50 000 worth of cannabis-related products as a ‘significant win’ in efforts to curb the ‘illegal drug trade’.
9 March 2025 at 09:30:00
Cannabiz Africa
A Somerset East Women has entered a plea agreement with the State after being found guilty of dealing in cannabis.
The charges arise from her arrest in 2021 after the Hawks discovered 85 cannabis plants, 21 capsules suspected of containing THC, CBD oil, and 100 grams of loose cannabis on her Arum Street property. The estimated street value of the seized cannabis was R49 600. Cannabiz Africa understands Schutte-Muntingh was manufacturing therapeutic cannabis products and not supplying the ‘grey zone’ with recreational cannabis.
IOL reports that Jenniffer Gladys Schutte-Muntingh, 67, entered into the plea agreement after facing charges of dealing in drugs and- managing a ‘fully operational’ hydroponic lab. She appeared in the Somerset West Magistrate’s Court on 3 March 2025, and was fined R50 000 or a five-year prison sentence, wholly suspended for five years.
“It’s crazy” one ‘grey zone’ operator tells Cannabiz Africa. “Look all around you at what’s going on with weed for sale all over the place. And the cops make a big deal out of arresting that tannie four years ago and bringing her to court today, when really she’s only been trying to do some good. You can’t say that about all the guys who are making millions out of cannabis products now. It’s a free for all, and the cops only seem to take action when an operator pays them to close down the competition”.
The charges against Schutte-Muntingh stemmed from a 2021 investigation when the Somerset West Crime Prevention Unit (CPU) received a tip-off about individuals allegedly cultivating cannabis at their residence on Arum Avenue. Acting on the information, a search was conducted, and the Hawks' SANEB team took over the scene, discovering a fully operational cannabis laboratory.
Following the investigation, arrest warrants were issued for Schutte-Muntingh and her son. While the case against her son was later withdrawn, Schutte-Muntingh was convicted and sentenced, marking what the Haws said, was a “significant win for the Hawks in efforts to curb the illegal drug trade.”
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