The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Limpopo has welcomed the Musina Magistrates’ Court’s decision to deny bail to a 41-year-old woman accused of being involved in the alleged trafficking of drug ingredients worth about R34 million.
NPA Limpopo regional spokesperson Mashudu Malabi said Nonkululeko Goodhope Khoza, who is accused number four, faces charges including dealing in drugs, dealing in illicit goods, money laundering and acquiring proceeds of defined crime.
The charge of being in South Africa using fabricated documents applies only to accused number five, Ogbaugu Abumchukwu Victor.
Khoza and Victor were arrested following the earlier arrests of their three alleged co-accused, Mabuchi Dayo Kumwenda, 35, and Thandie Phiri, 26, both Malawian nationals, as well as Philip Chanza, 46, a Zambian national.
Malabi said the accused allegedly transported drug ingredients worth approximately R34 million from Malawi to Johannesburg on 27 May 2026.
The consignment was intercepted during a stop-and-search operation conducted by Border Management Authority officials at the Beitbridge Port of Entry.
The alleged drug ingredients were reportedly discovered concealed inside a truck belonging to Khoza.
Khoza brought a bail application before the court through an affidavit, seeking her release while the case is finalised. The State opposed the application.
The court refused bail after finding that Khoza posed a flight risk and was likely to commit further offences, according to Malabi.
The court also considered allegations that Khoza attempted to bribe a police official and found that she had failed to demonstrate that the interests of justice would permit her release on bail.
The matter was postponed to 27 August 2026 for further investigations and the bail applications of the remaining accused.
Malabi commended the Border Management Authority and the investigating team for intercepting the alleged consignment and continuing efforts to combat drug trafficking and organised crime.
He said the successful opposition to bail demonstrated the NPA’s commitment to ensuring that people accused of serious offences are brought before the courts while protecting the integrity of the criminal justice system.
“The NPA remains resolute in working with law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking and other forms of organised crime that threaten the safety and well-being of communities,” Malabi said.
