Cape Argus E-dition

Woman tries to enter jail with drugs hidden in her underwear

JONISAYI MAROMO jonisayi.maromo@inl.co.za

A 36-YEAR-OLD woman was apprehended by a prison warden in Mpumalanga for alleged drug possession when she tried to enter the Bethal Correctional Centre to visit an inmate.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Selvy Mohlala said the correctional centre was working towards creating a “no-go area for drugs”, and the woman was reportedly caught before entering the premises, on Tuesday.

“The female visitor was reportedly searched, as per prisons standard procedures, whereby a black plastic bag concealed beneath her underwear was found. It was then discovered that the plastic bag was stuffed with about 59 different types of tablets, as well as 20 small plastic bags and other substances, including crushed leaves and a plastic bottle containing oil,” he said.

Police were summoned and the woman was arrested and charged for drug possession. The items were confiscated and would be subjected to a forensic investigation, Mohlala said.

“The estimated street value of the alleged drugs is at about R6 000. The investigation suggests the alleged items were destined for an inmate … The matter is still under investigation,” he said.

Mohlala said police and prison officials were said to have gone to the inmate’s bed where they found a plastic bag containing dagga.

“Ms Lorraine Nomsa Makhubele appeared in the Bethal Magistrate’s Court on 28 September 2022, on charges of alleged possession of drugs. Possible charges of drug trafficking might be added as the investigation continues. During her court appearance, the matter was postponed to 5 October 2022, for a formal bail application. The suspect was remanded in custody,” he said.

Mpumalanga Police Commissioner Semakaleng Daphney Manamela commended officials at the correctional facility for their vigilance, and for the arrest and recovery of the items.

Last month, a 43-year-old woman prison warden was arrested in Mpumalanga for possession of dagga after an impromptu search-and-seizure operation at a correctional facility.

Her arrest came after the manager arrived to conduct a morning parade, with all employees reporting for duty. The manager, with her team, announced that according to the procedures of the Department of Correctional Services, no employee was allowed to enter the premises with a hand or grocery bag unless it was transparent. The employees were told they would be searched to prevent the possibility of drug smuggling, Mohlala said at the time.

He said he warden tried to hide her handbag but was noticed. She ran to her office where she hid the bag, then went to another office.

Mohlala said she was followed and questioned about the whereabouts of the handbag. The team searched her office and found a bag stashed with dagga weighing 0.186g and with an estimated street value of about R1 500. She denied knowledge of the drugs but was arrested and a case of illegal possession of dagga opened against her.

METRO

en-za

2022-09-30T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-09-30T07:00:00.0000000Z

http://capeargus.pressreader.com/article/281522229966820

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