High Court upholds 13-year sentences for ex-SAPS officers

THE Gauteng Division of the High Court in Johannesburg has dismissed an appeal by two former SAPS officers, reaffirming the convictions and lengthy prison sentences for drug-related offences committed while stationed at one of the country's busiest airports.

- SINENHLANHLA MASILELA

Raesibe Melda Ndukula and Faith Makhosazane Mtambo had sought to overturn both their convictions and 13-year sentences, which were handed down by the Kempton Park Magistrate's Court in December 2020.

The pair were convicted on charges of possession of cocaine, theft, and defeating the administration of justice.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said the case dates back to March 2013 and centres on an incident at OR Tambo International Airport, where the two officers were deployed at the time.

Mohlatlole said a flight attendant, identified as Tshabalala, was travelling on a route between South Africa and São Paulo when she was intercepted by customs officials upon her return.