Suspected Namibian drug mule Pauline Mbangula (30), who is accused of drug trafficking in South Africa, appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
The state opposed her bail application as her immigration status is also being investigated.
According to ENCA news, Mbangula, who appeared without legal representation, requested that her photo not be taken for security reasons.
Mbangula is facing charges of drug possession and drug trafficking, although South African police say she could face more unspecified charges.
The drugs are worth N$800 000, according to ENCA news.
Mbangula was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Sunday after 60 pellets of cocaine were discovered in her stomach.
On Monday, South African police spokesperson brigadier Athlenda Mathe told The Namibian a medical examination confirmed that all the drugs had been removed from Mbangula’s body.
“The estimated weight is 850 grams,” Mathe said.
According to Mathe, Mbangula is the 10th drug mule to be arrested at OR Tambo International Airport in the past two months.
Mbangula was travelling from Brazil when she was arrested.
“She was taken to a local hospital, where an X-ray confirmed the presence of foreign objects in her stomach,” Mathe said.
Political parties told The Namibian this week the country’s high unemployment rate is forcing young people like Mbangula to engage in criminal activities, such as drug trafficking.
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