23 Jan 2014

Barely two months after a South African was charged with importing a controlled substance without the approval of the director of health services, another South African citizen has been similarly charged.

In the latest incident, Thato Letsie was arrested upon her arrival at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (SSKIA) from India on transit to South Africa on January 9, 2014. The police became suspicious of her luggage while searching her and white substance suspected to be ephedrine was discovered inside the luggage.

The substance was taken to police forensic laboratory for analysis and weighing while the accused remained in custody. During her appearance on Monday (January 20) the prosecutor from SSKA Police Station, Sergeant Modise Masala told the court that they were awaiting forensic results.

Sergeant Masala however said he would make a follow up with investigating officer and inform the court at the next mention. Letsie is currently unrepresented. However she told court that she is talking to local attorney Mr Friday Leburu who is also represents a Masala’s countryman, Nazeem Dawood, on drug charges. Dawood was arrested upon his arrival at SSKIA on November 17, 2013.

He is also charged for possession of ephedrine and is out on bail after he deposited P5000 cash with court treasury and produced two local sureties who also deposited P2 500 each. He has since pleaded guilty to the offence and he is due to come to court for reading of summary of case on February 21, 2014 before making his mitigation.

Masala’s case becomes the third case of ephedrine importation into Botswana by South Africans in the last three months. On September 13, 2013 magistrate Rammapudi fined a female South African P7000, and sentences her to six months wholly suspended for importing ephedrine into the country. Tholakele Faith Mohaladi was also arrested at SSKIA upon her arrival from India with booty of 19.438kg of ephedrine.

Masala remains in custody and will come for another mention before Village senior magistrate Ms Alice Rammapudi on February 6. ENDS