Eight-year prison term for Namibian drug mule caught in SA
A young Namibian drug mule has been sentenced to eight years behind bars last week by a South African court, the South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed.
Pauline Mbangula (30) was effectively sentenced to eight years for drug trafficking at the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court in Gauteng, with three years suspended.
This follows her arrest on 22 September 2024 shortly after she landed from São Paulo, the capital of Brazil, at OR Tambo International Airport.
A medical exam and X-rays of her stomach revealed that she had swallowed at least 68 cocaine-filled sachets filled with cocaine.
"She was later forced to expel the drugs,” South African Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said in a statement.
“At the time of Mbangula’s arrest, she claimed that she was taken to Brazil by a man she had recently met under false pretences that they were going on holiday. Upon her arrival in Brazil, she was allegedly forced to swallow the drugs and smuggle them back to South Africa,” Mathe added.
According to the police, more than 22 drug mules have been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport over the past year.
“The frequent arrests of drug mules at [the airport] should serve as a strong warning that the South African police, especially at this airport, are always on high alert to catch criminals.”
The police also warned young women not to fall victim to drug trafficking syndicates, as the consequences can be severe.
Meanwhile, according to the Namibian Police's monthly drug report, 696 087.88 kg of cannabis, 331 mandrax tablets and 7.2 grams of cocaine were seized in June.
They also confiscated 128 units of crack cocaine and 14 straws of methamphetamine (tik).
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Pauline Mbangula (30) was effectively sentenced to eight years for drug trafficking at the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court in Gauteng, with three years suspended.
This follows her arrest on 22 September 2024 shortly after she landed from São Paulo, the capital of Brazil, at OR Tambo International Airport.
A medical exam and X-rays of her stomach revealed that she had swallowed at least 68 cocaine-filled sachets filled with cocaine.
"She was later forced to expel the drugs,” South African Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said in a statement.
“At the time of Mbangula’s arrest, she claimed that she was taken to Brazil by a man she had recently met under false pretences that they were going on holiday. Upon her arrival in Brazil, she was allegedly forced to swallow the drugs and smuggle them back to South Africa,” Mathe added.
According to the police, more than 22 drug mules have been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport over the past year.
“The frequent arrests of drug mules at [the airport] should serve as a strong warning that the South African police, especially at this airport, are always on high alert to catch criminals.”
The police also warned young women not to fall victim to drug trafficking syndicates, as the consequences can be severe.
Meanwhile, according to the Namibian Police's monthly drug report, 696 087.88 kg of cannabis, 331 mandrax tablets and 7.2 grams of cocaine were seized in June.
They also confiscated 128 units of crack cocaine and 14 straws of methamphetamine (tik).
- [email protected]
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