The South African Police Service (SAPS) has warned young women not to fall prey to drug trafficking syndicates, as this can have dire consequences.
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.
Filled with cocaine
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.
Have you ever sat next to someone you were convinced was a drug mule?
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