SAPS warns young women of perils of drug trafficking
This follows the sentencing of a 30-year-old female Namibian drug mule by the Kempton Park Magistrate's Court.
She was sentenced to eight years direct imprisonment for drug dealing, of which three years were wholly suspended.
Pauline Mbangula was arrested on 22 September 2024 shortly after landing at OR Tambo International Airport from São Paulo, Brazil.
At the time, she was found to have swallowed at least 68 bullets – packets filled with cocaine.
A medical examination confirmed that there were drugs in her stomach, which she was later made to release.
'At the time of her arrest, she claimed that she was taken to Brazil by a man she recently met under false pretenses that they were going on holiday,' the South African Police Service said in a statement.
Upon arrival in Brazil, she was forced to swallow the drugs and traffic them to South Africa.
More than 22 drug mules have been arrested by police at OR Tambo International Airport in the past year.
'The regular arrests of drug mules at the OR Tambo International Airport should send a stern warning that police in South Africa, and in particular at this port of entry, are always on high alert to clamp down on criminality,' the police said.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Herald
an hour ago
- The Herald
R2.2m in counterfeit items confiscated in Korsten
Gqeberha police confiscated R2.2m worth of illicit pharmaceuticals and suspected counterfeit goods during a tactical operation in Korsten on Wednesday with the majority of the haul comprising of Viagra tablets. Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said the operation targeted transnational criminal networks involved in the distribution of unlicensed and potentially hazardous goods. "Acting on intelligence provided by the SAPS Sea Border Office, a multi-disciplinary team comprising Border Policing, K9 Unit, Crime Intelligence, and brand-holder agents executed searches at a wholesale in Durban Road and a warehouse on Daisy Road in Korsten." Gantana said the seized items included 17,430 Viagra pills, 224 Viagra Jelly sachets, 2,640 Adcodol tablets, 6,480 Apetito tablets, 3,560 pregnancy test kits, 4,680 skin-whitening creams, 648 Colgate toothbrushes, 1,584 Kiwi Shoe Polish units, and 106 rodent traps. "The total street value is estimated at R2,200,000. "SAPS urgently warns the public against using unregulated pharmaceuticals and health products. "Items such as erectile dysfunction medications, unregistered analgesics, and whitening creams may contain toxic substances or incorrect dosages, posing severe health risks in violation of the Medicines Act," Gantana said. No arrests were made during the search and the operation was successful executed without injuries or property damage. "Investigations are ongoing to trace supply chains, with SAPS collaborating with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority and brand holders to authenticate the seized goods." Acting Provincial Commissioner of Eastern Cape Major General Thandiswa Kupiso commended those involved for their swift action "This R2.2 million seizure disrupts criminal enterprises exploiting consumer safety for profit. "We commend the integrated efforts of our units and private partners. The public must reject unregulated products – your health is not worth the risk." The Herald
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Church service turns into nightmare as armed robbers kidnap worshippers
The armed robbers stole three vehicles from the church congregants - a Mercedes Benz, a Volkswagen Polo and an Isuzu KB. Police have since recovered all the three stolen vehicles in Mpumalanga and Gauteng Image: SAPS A church service in Klipfontein, Witbank, was violently interrupted on Wednesday evening when a group of armed suspects stormed the premises, robbing and kidnapping nine congregants, including the pastor. Two suspects have since been arrested, and the victims have been safely recovered. 'According to a report, on this fateful day, a group of more than five armed males stormed into the church premises, threatening the congregants with firearms. About nine church members, including the pastor and church elders, were present at the time, and were ordered to lie down,' said Mpumalanga provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli. The victims were subsequently searched by the armed intruders, and tied with cable ties before being robbed of their mobile phones, wallets containing bank cards, laptops, as well as a computer screen belonging to the church. 'The suspects further demanded car keys and pin codes for the mobile phones that they took. The victims were also forced into three vehicles belonging to them (the victims). The suspects then drove off to a remote area in the bushes, where two of them remained to guard the victims while the others went away, only to return later and collected their two accomplices,' said Mdhluli. Family members of the victims later reported the incident to the authorities. 'The matter was escalated whereby a collaborative effort between the SAPS and Tracker Connect yielded significant results, as the vehicles were successfully traced (on Wednesday night), one near Vosman and the other in Silverton, Gauteng,' said Mdhluli. 'Thanks to the diligent work of Witbank detectives and Vosman Vispol, the law enforcement agencies managed to locate all victims in a bushy area in Kromdraai. One individual sustained minor injuries and was given medical treatment by the medical personnel.' In total, three vehicles were recovered: a Mercedes-Benz, which was found in Vosman in the possession of a 21-year-old suspect; a Volkswagen Polo, which was abandoned in Vosman; and an Isuzu KB bakkie, which was traced and recovered in Silverton, Gauteng. A 27-year-old man was arrested during the recovery of the Isuzu bakkie. 'The two suspects were arrested, with all the stolen vehicles recovered. The pursuit of the remaining suspects continues. Police urge anyone with information that may assist in apprehending these perpetrators to contact the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MySAPSApp,' said Mdhluli. 'All received information will be treated as confidential, and callers may opt to remain anonymous.' Meanwhile, acting provincial commissioner of police in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, has applauded the effective collaboration between the police and private security. "We are concerned with the incidences of such crimes, especially in places that should be sanctuaries for individuals seeking solace,' said Mkhwanazi. 'The SAPS remains resolute in its pursuit of justice and will continue to track down the remaining suspects responsible for this heinous act.' [email protected] IOL News
The Herald
12 hours ago
- The Herald
Cops call for information after suspected hit on Gqeberha prosecutor
A Gqeberha public prosecutor was shot dead outside her house on Thursday, in what appears to have been a hit. Police have appealed to the public to come forward with any information that could help in their investigation. Police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg said the incident unfolded after the public prosecutor arrived at her home in Lotton Street, Young Park, at about 3.30pm on Thursday. 'While still seated in her vehicle, a Toyota Etios, four unknown suspects wearing masks stopped in a white VW Polo in the street,' Janse van Rensburg said. 'They got out of the vehicle and multiple shots were fired at her vehicle. 'The deceased was rushed to hospital with gunshot wounds but passed away on her arrival. 'The motive and the suspects are unknown, and the investigation is ongoing. 'The name of the deceased will be released once she has been officially identified.' A person who worked with her at the New Brighton court said the murdered prosecutor was a mother and a diligent court official. 'She dealt with some big cases and did a fantastic job. We are all devastated by what has happened. 'The SAPS Algoa Park detective is appealing to anyone who can provide information that can lead to the arrest and successful prosecution of the suspects involved in the murder to come forward.' Janse van Rensburg said any person with information could contact investigating officer Warrant Officer Errol Kleinhans on 083-243-4567, or Crime Stop on 08600 1011, or the nearest police station. 'Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via MySAPS App. All information is confidential, and callers may remain anonymous.' The Herald
