The Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court has sentenced 27-year-old Zenco Van Wyk to six years in prison for drug trafficking after he was caught smuggling cocaine through OR Tambo International Airport.
Gauteng Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Thatohatsi Mavimbela said Van Wyk was intercepted in August 2022 by Border Management Authorities after arriving from Brazil.
“Upon searching his bag, authorities discovered half a kilogram of cocaine valued at approximately R1.5 million, leading to his arrest,” Mavimbela said.
Van Wyk was found guilty on January 15 and sentenced on Tuesday to direct imprisonment.
In a separate case, two South African nationals were arrested at OR Tambo on Friday after landing from São Paulo, Brazil. Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Van Wyk said they were found with cocaine worth R7.5 million.
“The pair arrived separately on different flights. A female suspect had R2.5 million worth of cocaine, while the male suspect carried R5 million worth in his luggage,” she said.
Both suspects have been charged with drug trafficking and will appear in court soon.
In December, two Brazilian nationals were also arrested at the airport for smuggling cocaine from São Paulo.
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