BLOEMFONTEIN – The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI) unit in Bloemfontein is continuing its investigation into a drug smuggling case involving a South African woman arrested in connection with the alleged offence. The accused, Lumka Phandle (36), currently out on bail set at R2 000, is expected back in the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court on 21 October. She was arrested at the Bram Fischer International Airport in Bloemfontein in August.

Lt. Col Zweli Mohobeleli, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, said Phandle faces charges of illegal possession of drugs and money laundering. Members of the Bloemfontein Visible Policing unit arrested the accused on 22 August.

The police reported that Phandle’s arrest came after the uncovering of crack cocaine concealed inside a hairdresser’s mannequin head found in her possession. This followed the detection of the highly addictive substance by a vigilant Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) supervisor during a compulsory security check. The police confirmed the suspected drug trafficker was preparing to board a flight to Johannesburg when arrested.

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Police members uncovered 232 stones suspected to be crack cocaine, worth an estimated R300 000. It was reported that police uncovered the drugs concealed among foam padding.
During a further search, the authorities confirm to have found R93 220 in Phandle’s possession and the drugs and money, believed to be the proceeds of illicit dealing, were seized as evidence.