LIMPOPO – A 41-year-old woman accused of being involved in the alleged trafficking of drug ingredients worth about R34 million has been denied bail by the Musina Magistrate’s Court.

Nonkululeko Goodhope Khoza, who is Accused 4 in the matter, was arrested following the seizure of the alleged drug ingredients at the Beitbridge Port of Entry.

How the consignment was intercepted

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the consignment was allegedly being transported from Malawi to Johannesburg on May 27 when Border Management Authority officials stopped and searched a truck belonging to Khoza.

The alleged drug ingredients, valued at approximately R34 million, were discovered concealed inside the truck.

The charges

Khoza faces charges including:

• Dealing in drugs
• Dealing in illicit goods
• Money laundering
• Acquisition of proceeds of defined crime

Bail denied

She brought a bail application before the court by way of affidavit, but the State opposed her release.

The court found that Khoza posed a flight risk and could potentially commit further offences if released. The court also considered allegations that she had attempted to bribe a police official.

It found that she had failed to show that the interests of justice would permit her release on bail.

Other accused

Khoza and Ogbaugu Abumchukwu Victor were arrested after three other suspects were previously taken into custody. These are:

• Malawian nationals Mabuchi Dayo Kumwenda, 35, and Thandie Phiri, 26
• Zambian national Philip Chanza, 46

Victor also faces a charge of being in South Africa on fabricated documents.

Case postponed

The case has been postponed to August 27 for further investigation and the bail applications of the remaining accused.

NPA commends interception

The NPA commended the Border Management Authority and the investigating team for intercepting the consignment, saying the case forms part of ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and organised crime.