NELSPRUIT – A 36-year old woman was apprehended by a prison warder for alleged possession of drugs at the Bethal Correctional Centre. The woman was reportedly caught before entering the premises to visit an inmate yesterday, 27 September 2022.

The female visitor was reportedly searched as per prisons standard procedures whereby a black plastic bag was found on her. 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.

Police were summoned to the scene where the female suspect was arrested and charged for illegal possession of drugs. The bag and the contents were confiscated pending forensic investigation. The estimated street value of the alleged drugs is at about R6000. The investigation suggests that the alleged items were destined for an inmate and of which the matter is still under investigation.

The police and prison officials are said to have proceeded to the inmate‘s bed where a search was further conducted. An additional plastic bag containing dagga was found. The inmate is also facing a charge of possession of dagga as well and he will soon appear in court.

However, Ms Lorraine Nomsa Makhubele appeared at the Bethal Magistrate’s Court, today, 28 September 2022 on charges of alleged possession of drugs. Possible charge of drug trafficking might be added as the investigation continues. During her court appearance, the matter was postponed to 05 October 2022 for a formal bail application meanwhile the suspect was remanded in custody.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has commended officials from the Correctional Facility for their vigilance and for the arrest as well as the recovery of the items.

Source: South African Police Service