Suspected Namibian drug mule Pauline Mbangula, who is accused of drug trafficking in South Africa (SA), is being investigated for possible violations of immigration rules.
Mbangula appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court in Gauteng yesterday. The state opposed her bail application.
According to ENCA news in South Africa, Mbangula, who appeared without legal representation, asked to not have her pictures taken for security reasons.
She is facing charges of drug possession and drug trafficking.
The police in SA say she could face more unspecified charges.
The drugs are worth N$800 000, according to ENCA news.
The 30-year-old Namibian woman was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Sunday, after 68 bullets of cocaine were discovered in her stomach.
SA police spokesperson Brigadier Mathe told The Namibian on Monday that a medical examination confirmed that all the drugs have been removed from Mbangula’s body.
“The estimated weight is 850 grams,” Mathe said.
She added that the suspect faces charges of dealing with drugs and drug possession, and additional charges may be added at a later stage.
Mathe also said Mbangula is the tenth drug mule to be arrested at the Johannesburg airport in the past two months.
Mbangula was travelling from Brazil when she was arrested.
“She was immediately arrested and taken to a local hospital, where an X-ray confirmed the presence of foreign objects in her stomach,” Mathe said.
Political parties have this week said that high unemployment is forcing young people like Mbangula to engage in criminal activities such as drug trafficking.
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