Mistaken identity prompts interest in alleged drug smuggler
A 29-year-old woman who allegedly smuggled drugs worth R4.6 million into South Africa appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
Ottilia Mmatjatji Malatji was arrested on Sunday, September 27, at the OR Tambo International airport.
She had arrived from Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates and had gone through the “nothing to declare” exit when she was stopped by customs officials.
Her luggage was searched and 15.4kgs of ephedrine were found and confiscated.
The South African Revenue Service initially said in a statement that she was a local actress, but police later confirmed that she was not a celebrity. A SARS official said it appeared the confusion was sparked by police officers at the airport mistaking the woman for a star of several popular soap operas.
As a result, a sizeable media contingent gathered for her court appearance early Tuesday.
The woman, who lives in Ivory Park, appeared before Magistrate Vusumuzi Mahlangu.
She will be charged with dealing in drugs.
A formal bail application has been set down for October 7. Until then, she will remain behind bars. - ANA
(File photo: Gallo Images)