The fifth South African woman accused in the OR Tambo International Airport drug trafficking case appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on April 15, where she was also granted bail of R15 000.

The matter forms part of a broader case involving five women who were arrested on March 28 during a joint operation between the SAPS and Airports Company South Africa, after allegedly being found in possession of drugs concealed on their bodies while attempting to board an international flight to Hong Kong via Dubai.

Accused outlines alleged recruitment and business link

During proceedings, today, accused Zodwa Patience Mthombeni submitted an affidavit through her legal representative, Wisani Monareng, outlining her version of events.

Also read: Court grants bail in OR Tambo drug trafficking case

In her affidavit, Mthombeni stated that she was involved in buying and selling clothing sourced from countries including China and Turkey.

She claimed that around 2021, one of her customers turned out to be the wife of a man identified as ‘Mr Olu Oribuchi’, who regularly purchased goods from her. Over time, she said, this led to a business relationship.

Mthombeni alleged that as her business struggled, she was introduced to Oribuchi, who reportedly offered to assist her financially and invest in her clothing business in exchange for a share of the profits.

She told the court that she viewed the arrangement as an opportunity to grow her business amid unemployment, and that she did not suspect any criminal activity.

According to her affidavit, she was later invited to Kempton Park, where she stayed at a lodge allegedly owned by Oribuchi approximately two weeks before her arrest, together with four other women she did not know.

She further stated that shortly before the planned trip to Hong Kong, she was informed that she would be travelling with the other women.

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

On arrival at the lodge, she alleged that they were placed in a room and confronted by two unknown men with foreign accents, who instructed them to comply or risk being harmed.

Mthombeni claimed that the group was then forced to conceal unknown substances on their bodies before being transported to OR Tambo International Airport, where they were arrested during security checks.

She further stated that she is a first-time offender and has no pending criminal cases against her.

Background to the case

The state alleges that all five accused were recruited by individuals referred to as ‘Mr X’ and ‘Mrs X’ and formed part of an organised drug trafficking syndicate operating across international borders.

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

The women were allegedly kept at a guesthouse in Kempton Park, where drugs believed to be cocaine were concealed on or in their bodies before they attempted to board a flight to Hong Kong via Dubai.

Bail granted, strict conditions remain

All five accused have now been granted bail of R15 000 each, subject to strict conditions, including the surrender of passports, travel restrictions within South Africa, and regular reporting to police stations.

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