Four of the five South African women accused of drug trafficking appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on April 13 and 14, following their arrest at OR Tambo International Airport.

The women were arrested on March 28 during a joint operation between the SAPS and Airports Company South Africa.

Two of the accused, Vuyokazi Toko and Elisa Thuli Shikwambane, returned to court on April 13 for a ruling on their bail applications, while Nemukondeni Mulweli Precious and Nomagcisa Dayimani appeared on April 14 for their formal bail applications.

Accused detail alleged recruitment and coercion

During proceedings, both Nemukondeni Mulweli Precious and Nomagcisa Dayimani submitted affidavits through their legal representative, Wisani Monareng, outlining their versions of events.

Nemukondeni alleged that she met a man identified as ‘Mr Olu Oribuchi’ at a lodge in Edleen, Kempton Park, in January 2026. She claimed he offered her a business opportunity after learning she was unemployed.

Also read: Accused details alleged recruitment in OR Tambo drug case

According to her affidavit, he later arranged travel for her, but shortly before departure, his behaviour changed. She alleged that she and four other women were placed in a room, threatened, and forced by unknown individuals to conceal substances in their clothing and on their bodies before being transported to the airport.

Dayimani similarly claimed that she was referred to the same individual while seeking employment.

She alleged that she was invited to the lodge in February and offered an opportunity to travel abroad to buy clothes for resale.

She told the court that she was initially willing, but later became fearful and was prevented from leaving.

She further alleged that she was forced to conceal substances before being taken to the airport, where she was arrested after drawing attention during screening.

Dayimani also alleged that a police official attempted to persuade the accused to sign confession statements excluding certain individuals, promising leniency and financial incentives. The matter was reportedly raised with her legal representative.

State argues organised syndicate and flight risk

The state, represented by prosecutor Takalani Mukhumo, relied on evidence from the investigating officer, who interviewed all five accused on March 29.

Also read: OR Tambo drug bust: Bail decision pending for accused women

According to the officer, all five women provided consistent accounts indicating they had been recruited by individuals referred to as ‘Mr X’ and ‘Mrs X’ to transport drugs to Hong Kong in exchange for R40 000.

The accused allegedly stated they were kept at a guesthouse from March 25 until their arrest and were not allowed to leave. The drugs, believed to be cocaine weighing approximately 2.3kg per person, were concealed on or in their bodies.

The state argued that the similarities in the accounts, the method of concealment, and the international travel arrangements pointed to an organised drug trafficking syndicate.

It further submitted that the accused were flight risks, noting they had passed through airport security and immigration and were about to board an international flight when they were arrested.

Court grants bail with strict conditions

Despite the state’s opposition, the court granted bail of R15 000 to the accused, with strict conditions.

These include:

• Surrendering their passports to the state
• Not applying for new travel documents
• Remaining within South Africa and not leaving Gauteng without permission
• Reporting to their nearest police station every Monday and Friday between 06:00 and 19:00
• Keeping the investigating officer informed of their movements

The matter has been postponed to August 4 for further investigation.

The fifth accused is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on April 15 for a formal bail application.