Source: SA woman denied bail over R34 million drug smuggling at Beitbridge – herald
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
A South African woman accused of working with Zambian and Malawian nationals to smuggle R34 million worth of drug manufacturing ingredients into that country through Beitbridge was on Tuesday denied bail by the Musina Magistrate’s Court in Limpopo Province.
Nonkululeko Goodhope Khoza (41)’s bail application was dismissed following the crime allegedly committed in May.
Khoza and her co-accused Ogbaugu Abumchukwu Victor were arrested later following further investigations.
Limpopo spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, Ms Mashudu Malabi, confirmed the development.
She said the matter was postponed to August 27 for further investigation and for the bail applications of the remaining accused.
“The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Limpopo welcomes the ruling handed down by the Musina Magistrates’ Court today, which denied bail to Nonkululeko Goodhope Khoza (41), Accused 4 in a matter involving the alleged trafficking of drug ingredients valued at approximately R34 million,” said Ms Malabi in a statement.
She said Khoza and Victor face charges of dealing in drugs, dealing in illicit goods, money laundering, and acquisition of proceeds of defined crime.
The official added that Victor, who is listed as Accused 5, also faces an additional charge of being in South Africa on forged documents.
“They were arrested after three other co-accused were earlier taken into custody. The three are Mabuchi Dayo Kumwenda (35) and Thandie Phiri (26), both Malawians, and Philip Chanza (46), a Zambian national,” said Ms Malabi.
“On 27 May this year, the accused were allegedly transporting drug ingredients worth about R34 million from Malawi to Johannesburg when Border Management Authority (BMA) officials conducted a stop-and-search operation at the Beitbridge Port of Entry. The consignment was reportedly concealed in a truck belonging to Khoza.
“Khoza brought a bail application by way of affidavit, seeking release pending finalisation of the case. The State opposed the application. In refusing bail, the court found that Khoza presented a flight risk and was likely to commit further offences. The court also noted allegations that she attempted to bribe a police official, and ruled that she had failed to prove that the interests of justice permitted her release.”
“The successful opposition to bail underscores the NPA’s commitment to ensuring that individuals accused of serious offences are brought before the courts and that the integrity of the criminal justice system is upheld.”
The authority also commended the BMA and the investigating team for intercepting the consignment, adding that it remains committed to working with law enforcement to combat drug trafficking and other forms of organised crime that threaten communities.
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