Video: Bail granted in OR Tambo drug bust

Four of the five South African women accused of drug trafficking appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Monday and yesterday, following their arrest at OR Tambo International Airport, reportsKempton Express. The women were arrested on March 28 during a joint operation between the SAPS and Airports Company South Africa. Two of the accused, Vuyokazi Toko and Elisa Thuli Shikwambane, returned to court on Monday for a ruling on their bail applications, while Nemukondeni Mulweli Precious and Nomagcisa Dayimani appeared yesterday for their formal bail applications.

During proceedings, both Nemukondeni Mulweli Precious and Nomagcisa Dayimani submitted affidavits through their legal representative, Wisani Monareng, outlining their versions of events. Nemukondeni alleged that she met a man identified as ‘Mr Olu Oribuchi’ at a lodge in Edleen, Kempton Park, in January. She claimed he offered her a business opportunity after learning she was unemployed.

According to her affidavit, he later arranged travel for her, but shortly before departure, his behaviour changed. She alleged that she and four other women were placed in a room, threatened, and forced by unknown individuals to conceal substances in their clothing and on their bodies before being transported to the airport. Dayimani similarly claimed that she was referred to the same individual while seeking employment.

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She alleged that she was invited to the lodge in February and offered an opportunity to travel abroad to buy clothes for resale. She told the court that she was initially willing, but later became fearful and was prevented from leaving. She further alleged that she was forced to conceal substances before being taken to the airport, where she was arrested after drawing attention during screening.

Dayimani also alleged that a police official attempted to persuade the accused to sign confession statements excluding certain individuals, promising leniency and financial incentives. The matter was reportedly raised with her legal representative. The state, represented by prosecutor Takalani Mukhumo, relied on evidence from the investigating officer, who interviewed all five accused on March 29.

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