Two suspects granted bail in OR Tambo drug bust

They appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Monday and are required to report to their nearest police stations at designated intervals as part of their bail conditions. The five women were arrested on March 28, 2026, by the South African Police Service in collaboration with Airports Company South Africa. They were intercepted before boarding an international flight to China via Dubai, allegedly concealing drugs with an estimated street value exceeding R5 million on their bodies, including in their sneakers, underwear, and private parts.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole stated that each accused faces one count of dealing in drugs. The matter has been postponed to August 4, 2026, for further investigations. Bail applications for the remaining accused are scheduled for April 14 and 15, 2026.

The NPA reiterated its commitment to combating organized crime, especially at South Africa’s ports of entry. This incident follows other drug seizures at OR Tambo, including R2.8 million worth of drugs in March 2026, and R2.2 million worth of crystal meth discovered in a cargo warehouse on March 4, 2026.