Suspected drug mules Pieter Johan Cristie (51) and Belinda Butcher (52), who were arrested at OR Tambo International Airport with R2m worth of crystal meth last month, appeared recently in Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court.
The couple is believed to have previously lived in the Eastern Cape and had also worked as car guards in and around Port Edward and Uvongo.
Gauteng Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Thatohatsi Mavimbela confirmed that bail of R5 000 each was granted.
However, both remain in custody as bail has not yet been paid. The matter has been postponed to November 28.
Cristie and Butcher were arrested by members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation for dealing in drugs, as well as for being in contravention of the Drug Trafficking Act 140 of 1992.
Mavimbela said information was received about two suspected drug mules who were to travel from South Africa to Israel, transporting drugs.
The two were identified, and a search ensued. It revealed 1,75 kg crystal meth in Cristie’s luggage and 0,90 kg crystal meth in Butcher’s luggage.
The estimated value of the drugs is R2m.
Mavimbela said investigations also revealed that this was not the suspects’ first attempt at trafficking drugs.
The joint multi-disciplinary operation comprised Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime, Crime Intelligence, OR Tambo K9 Dog Unit, State Security Agency, Sars Customs and Etihad Airlines.
Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, the provincial head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Gauteng, commended the investigation team for the spectacular success.
He warned members of the public never to allow desperation to lead them to being recruited as drug mules.
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