Police clamping down on drug mules at OR Tambo
Last night, the South African Police Service reported that three alleged drug mules were arrested at OR Tambo International Airport in one week. Two of the arrests took place on 10 June 2025.
In the first arrest, SAPS intercepted a 30-year-old Brazilian national who had landed from São Paulo. She confessed that she had ingested more than 100 cocaine-filled bullets.
'Later the same day, police intercepted a 57-year-old Ethiopian national at the airport's check-in counter before he could board a flight out of the country. A search of the suspect's luggage uncovered over 90 kilograms of Khat,' said police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk.
On 5 June 2025, a 42-year-old Nigerian national was arrested on charges of drug trafficking upon arrival at the airport. He had travelled from São Paulo and was en route to Nigeria.
'The drug trafficker landed at 07:00 when he was intercepted by police officers at the airport. A medical x-ray confirmed that he had ingested more than 70 drug bullets suspected to contain cocaine,' said van Wyk.
All three suspects are due to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates' Court on charges of drug trafficking.
Last month, The South African brought you the story of a 39-year-old Brazilian national who was found in possession of R 1,4 million worth of cocaine wrapped around his legs. He too was intercepted at OR Tambo after travelling from São Paulo. He told police he was in transit to Benin.
At the time, police reported that they were intensifying their efforts to clamp down on the illicit trade of drugs and they had made significant arrests.
'SAPS has intercepted more than 23 drug traffickers at this port of entry in the past six months,' concluded van Wyk.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
Carte Blanche: Death in the chicken house
The 22 June episode of Carte Blanche delves into a once-thriving chicken business now mired in controversy, uncovering disturbing reports of animal cruelty, including acts of cannibalism among birds and the presence of decomposing carcasses on-site. The exposé also highlights the plight of workers who allege they have not received their salaries for months, raising serious concerns about both ethical practices and financial mismanagement within the operation. The investigation seeks to uncover what led to the decline of this previously successful enterprise and who is ultimately accountable for the grim conditions exposed. Carte Blanche is a South African investigative journalism television series that airs on M-Net every Sunday at 19:00. Its first episode aired on 21 August 1988 and over the last 34-plus years has earned credibility among South African viewers for its investigation into corruption, consumer issues, and current events. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
City Power cuts supply to property housing undocumented migrants
City Power, with support from Johannesburg's Public Safety Department, disconnected electricity at a residential property in Houghton following the discovery of illegal and hazardous living arrangements. On Wednesday, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) raided the house and found about 90 undocumented foreign nationals crammed into the premises. Also, the authorities cited severe overcrowding, poor sanitation, and non-compliance with municipal by-laws. The living conditions raised alarm over safety, public health, and the unlawful use of City services. City Power swiftly disconnected the building's electricity through a high-level intervention. 'In line with City Power's mandate to uphold the integrity of the electricity grid and ensure lawful consumption, our team removed the feeder cable supplying the property and the internal cables within the yard,' said spokesperson Isaac Mangena. Furthermore, he confirmed that this action, known as a Level 3 disconnection, is the most severe cut-off used only in serious electricity infrastructure abuse or illegal connections. The operation forms part of a campaign to clamp down on hijacked or illegally occupied properties in Johannesburg. Additionally, City Power continues to work with other departments to reclaim urban spaces and enforce safety regulations. 'We continue to support interdepartmental operations that aim to reclaim hijacked and unsafe buildings across Johannesburg, safeguarding residents and ensuring responsible use of municipal services,' Mangena added. The disconnection signals the city's commitment to preventing resource misuse and protecting residents from unsafe environments. City Power urges the public to report suspicious electricity connections and illegal activity through the toll-free number 0800 002 587. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
Two soldiers dead after altercation at Mpumalanga military base
A violent altercation at the Macadamia Military Base in Komatipoort, Mpumalanga, claimed the lives of two South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers on Saturday morning, 21 June. According to a SANDF media statement, one soldier allegedly fatally stabbed two of his colleagues during a tragic confrontation. The motive behind the incident remains unclear at this stage. The SANDF and South African Police Service (SAPS) have launched a joint investigation into the matter. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the deceased or the alleged perpetrator, pending the completion of official inquiries and notification of next of kin. 'The circumstances surrounding the incident remain the subject of an ongoing inquiry. Further details will be communicated once officially verified,' the statement read. Rear Admiral (Junior Grade) Prince Tshabalala, Director of Defence Corporate Communication, confirmed the incident. He said investigators are working urgently to piece together the events that led to the double fatality. The Port Alfred Regional Court sentenced former SAPS commander Ncamisa Donkrag to five years in prison on Friday, 9 May 2025. The court suspended the sentence for five years. It also ordered Donkrag to repay SAPS R12 767.80 after she pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud. In May 2022, she claimed she had travelled from Port Alfred to Port Edward, Mount Ayliff, and Mzamba using her private vehicle. SAPS reimbursed her R8 062.58. The trip never happened. In September 2022, she submitted another false claim. This time, she said she had travelled to Zwelitsha and Addo. She received R4 705.25. Acting District Commissioner Brigadier Osagran Naidoo said the sentence should serve as a warning. 'No matter your rank, no one is above the law,' he said. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
