Former Durban metro cop convicted, sentenced in Peru
The former Durban Metro policeman arrested for drug
trafficking almost a month ago in Peru, has been convicted and sentenced to 6
years and 8 months in jail after entering a plea bargain.
42-year-old Edward Thompson worked in the police force for 14 years before going into security.
He travelled to Peru for a private protection job in February.
He was arrested a few weeks later, while trying to leave for South Africa, when drugs were found in his suitcase.
The former officer maintains that the bag in which the drugs were found was not his.
Thompson's brother, Dion says lawyers in Peru managed to secure a trial date earlier than expected.
He says with good behaviour Edward could be out of jail in just over two years.
"We need to see the facts and the basis of the judgement and then you can establish whether there are grounds to appeal or not. We just need to get that and then take it from there," he said.
Below Dion's sister, Lee Hamilton explains what happened during court proceedings.