Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
A SOUTH African woman accused of working with Zambian and Malawian nationals to smuggle drug-manufacturing ingredients worth about R34 million into South Africa through Beitbridge has been denied bail by the Musina Magistrates’ Court in Limpopo Province.
Nonkululeko Goodhope Khoza (41) had her bail application dismissed on Tuesday following her arrest in connection with the alleged trafficking of the drug ingredients in May.
Khoza and her co-accused, Ogbaugu Abumchukwu Victor, were arrested following further investigations after three other suspects had already been taken into custody.
Limpopo spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Ms Mashudu Malabi, confirmed the development.
She said the matter had been postponed to August 27 to allow for further investigations and the hearing of bail applications by the remaining accused.
“The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Limpopo welcomes the ruling handed down by the Musina Magistrates’ Court today, which denied bail to Nonkululeko Goodhope Khoza (41),
Accused 4 in a matter involving the alleged trafficking of drug ingredients valued at approximately R34 million,” said Ms Malabi in a statement.
Khoza and Victor face charges of dealing in drugs, dealing in illicit goods, money laundering and acquisition of proceeds of defined crime.
Victor, who is listed as Accused 5, also faces an additional charge of being in South Africa on forged documents.
“They were arrested after three other co-accused were earlier taken into custody. The three are Mabuchi Dayo Kumwenda (35) and Thandie Phiri (26), both Malawians, and Philip Chanza (46), a Zambian national,” said Ms Malabi.
The NPA said the suspects were allegedly transporting the drug ingredients from Malawi to Johannesburg on May 27 when Border Management Authority (BMA) officials intercepted the consignment during a stop-and-search operation at the Beitbridge Port of Entry.
“The consignment was reportedly concealed in a truck belonging to Khoza,” said Ms Malabi.
Khoza had applied for bail by way of affidavit, seeking her release pending finalisation of the case, but the State opposed the application.
In denying her bail, the court found that Khoza posed a flight risk and was likely to commit further offences.
The court also considered allegations that she had attempted to bribe a police official and ruled that she had failed to demonstrate that the interests of justice permitted her release.
“The successful opposition to bail underscores the NPA’s commitment to ensuring that individuals accused of serious offences are brought before the courts and that the integrity of the criminal justice system is upheld,” said Ms Malabi.
The NPA also commended the BMA and investigating team for intercepting the consignment, saying it remained committed to working with law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking and other forms of organised crime threatening communities.
