Actress accused of drug-running stays behind bars
An actress allegedly bust with drugs at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport will remain behind bars after abandoning her bail application. Ottilia Mmatjatji Malatji‚ 29‚ from Ivory Park made a brief appearance in the Kempton Park Magistrate's Court on Johannesburg's East Rand on Wednesday where she was due to apply for bail.The court was packed with friends and family of Malatji who were there to offer their support.Advocate Leon Khoza‚ on behalf of Malatji‚ said she would not apply for bail. The case was postponed to November 27 for further investigation.Speaking outside court after the proceedings‚ Khoza said: “We have abandoned bail‚ as we [the defence lawyers] have not received instructions from the client [Malatji]. I cannot even say whether we will be pleading guilty or innocent as we do not have further instructions.”Malatji was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday September 27 when 15.4kg of ephedrine‚ worth about R4.6m‚ was allegedly found in her luggage. Ephedrine is used in the manufacturing of crystal methamphetamine‚ or tik. It is also used to treat asthma and is an active ingredient in some weight loss substances.She had arrived on a flight from Abu Dhabi...
There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.
From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.
For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.
Already subscribed? Sign in below.
Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.