The South African Police Service (SAPS) takes this opportunity to warn young women not to fall prey to drug trafficking syndicates as this has dire consequences. This call follows the sentencing of a 30-year-old female Namibian drug mule by the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court.
Pauline Mbangula was arrested on 22 September 2024 shortly after landing from São Paulo in Brazil at the OR Tambo International Airport.
She was at the time found to have swallowed at least 68 bullet looking packets filled with cocaine. A medical examination had confirmed the drugs in her stomach and she was later made to release the drugs.
At the time of her arrest, she claimed that she was taken to Brazil by a man she recently met under false pretences that they were going on holiday.
Upon arrival in Brazil, she was then forced to swallow the drugs and traffic them to South Africa.
Last week, she was sentenced to 8 years direct imprisonment for drug dealing of which 3 years was wholly suspended.
In the past year, more than 22 drug mules have been arrested by police at OR Tambo International Airport.
The regular arrests of drug mules at the OR TAMBO International Airport should send a stern warning that police in SA and in particular at this port of entry are always on high alert to clamp down on criminality.