A 36-YEAR-OLD woman was arrested by a prison warder on Tuesday, 27 September, for possession of drugs at the Bethal Correctional Centre in Mpumalanga.
According to Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, the woman was caught before entering the premises to visit an inmate.
Mohlala said Lorraine Makhubele was searched as per the prison’s standard procedure and a black plastic bag was found on her.
“The plastic bag was stuffed with about 59 different types of tablets. There were also 20 small plastic bags containing 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,” Mohlala said.
He said that the estimated street value of the drugs was about R6 000 and they were confiscated pending forensic investigation.
“It’s alleged that the items were destined for an inmate and the matter is still under investigation.
“Police and prison officials are said to have proceeded to the inmate’s bed where a search was conducted. An additional plastic bag containing dagga was found. The inmate is also facing a charge of possession of dagga and will soon appear in court,” Mohlala added.
Makhubele appeared in the Bethal Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 28 September, on a charge of possession of drugs.
Mohlala said a possible charge of drug trafficking might be added as the investigation continues.
The suspect was remanded in custody and the matter was postponed to 5 October for a formal bail application.
