Latest news with #Mbangula
The Citizen
15-07-2025
- The Citizen
Drug mule sentenced to 8 years for smuggling cocaine from Brazil to SA
Drug mule sentenced to 8 years for smuggling cocaine from Brazil to SA A 30-year-old Namibian drug mule has been sentenced to eight years' direct imprisonment for drug dealing by the Kempton Park Magistrate's Court. This follows the arrest of Pauline Mbangula on September 22, 2024, shortly after she landed at OR Tambo International Airport from São Paulo, Brazil. At the time of her arrest, Mbangula was found to have swallowed at least 68 bullet-shaped packets filled with cocaine. ALSO READ: Police arrest another drug mule at OR Tambo International Airport A medical examination confirmed the presence of the drugs in her stomach, and she was later made to release the packets. Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said that Mbangula claimed she had been taken to Brazil under false pretences. 'At the time of her arrest, she claimed that she was taken to Brazil by a man she had recently met under the false pretence that they were going on holiday,' said Mathe. 'On arrival in Brazil, she was then forced to swallow the drugs and traffic them to South Africa.' Mbangula was sentenced to eight years' direct imprisonment for drug dealing, of which three years were wholly suspended. The SAPS has once again warned young women not to fall prey to drug trafficking syndicates, highlighting the dire consequences of becoming involved in such crimes. ALSO READ: Fourth drug mule caught at OR Tambo In the past year alone, police have arrested more than 22 drug mules at OR Tambo International Airport. The regular arrests of drug mules at the airport should serve as a stern warning, SAPS said, that police in South Africa—particularly at this port of entry—remain on high alert to clamp down on criminal activity. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
12-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Protea School learners explore future careers at African Academy for Built Environment
Learners from Protea School recently visited the African Academy Boksburg for Engineering and Drafting for a day of career guidance, technical exploration, and hands-on learning. The marketing coordinator of the academy, Portia Mbangula said the learners were accompanied by their dedicated educators as part of an ongoing initiative to expose young minds to future career opportunities in the built environment sector. 'During the visit, learners were introduced to a variety of disciplines including civil, mechanical, electrical, and architectural draughting. 'The Academy's expert facilitators led engaging presentations and demonstrations, providing insight into the real-world application of technical and design skills. Learners toured state-of-the-art training facilities and had the opportunity to interact with staff and learners who are currently enrolled at the academy.' Mbangula said the experience was incredibly valuable as it allowed learners to see how their talents and interests could translate into real careers within the engineering and design industries. 'The African Academy has built a reputation for excellence in producing skilled professionals. Initiatives like these continue to inspire the next generation of technicians and Draughtspersons.' She added that as part of its ongoing outreach, they will be hosting an Open Day on July 19, where prospective students, parents, and school groups are invited to visit the campus, meet faculty members, and explore course offerings. 'The Open Day promises to be an exciting opportunity for anyone interested in starting a career in the built environment.' For more information about the Open Day or to book your place, visit Also Read: African Academy in Boksburg hosts career tour for Germiston High learners At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
10-07-2025
- The South African
Drug mule jailed as SAPS warns women against syndicates
A Namibian drug mule woman who attempted to smuggle drugs into South Africa has been sentenced to eight years in prison. The Kempton Park Magistrate's Court sentenced 30-year-old Pauline Mbangula to five years in prison after she was convicted of drug dealing. Three years of her sentence were suspended, meaning she will serve five years behind bars. Mbangula's ordeal began on 22 September 2024, when she arrived at OR Tambo International Airport from São Paulo, Brazil. Furthermore, police arrested her after a tip-off, and medical tests confirmed she had ingested drug-filled capsules. 'She claimed that she was taken to Brazil by a man she recently met under false pretences that they were going on holiday,' said the South African Police Service (SAPS). Also, once in Brazil, she was coerced into swallowing at least 68 cocaine-filled packets, also known as 'bullets', and smuggling them into South Africa. The drugs were later extracted from her body under medical supervision. SAPS revealed that Mbangula's case is one of over 22 drug mule arrests made at OR Tambo International Airport in the past year alone. 'The regular arrests of drug mules at the OR Tambo International Airport should send a stern warning that police in South Africa, and in particular at this port of entry, are always on high alert to clamp down on criminality,' SAPS said. The police have called on young women, in particular, to remain vigilant and avoid being lured by false promises of travel or employment. 'This can have dire consequences,' SAPS stressed. With traffickers increasingly using social media and romantic manipulation to recruit couriers, SAPS urged communities to educate and protect vulnerable individuals. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
09-07-2025
- The Citizen
Here is how long you could spend in jail for drug trafficking in SA
A recent study showed that 34 countries still handed down the death penalty for drug offences like manufacturing and trafficking. Pellets of cocaine expelled from the stomach of Pauline Mbangula in 2024. Picture: Supplied / Saps Police have warned South Africans, especially young women, against the possible punishment for drug trafficking. The alert comes after a female drug mule arrested at OR Tambo International Airport was sentenced last week to eight years in prison. The sentence is at the low end of the legal scale, as a recent report showed that several nations still execute drug traffickers. Prison for drug mule Pauline Mbangula was arrested in September last year when she was found to be carrying at least 68 small pellets of cocaine in her stomach. The 30-year-old Namibian arrived in South Africa from Sao Paulo and was soon the subject of a medical examination. The Kempton Park Magistrates Court handed her an eight-year sentence, although three of those were wholly suspended. Mbangula told the court that she was lured to Brazil by a man she had recently met under the guise of going on a holiday. 'Upon arrival in Brazil, she was then forced to swallow the drugs and traffic them to South Africa,' confirmed national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe. The Namibian is one of more than 20 individuals arrested at Johannesburg's main airport in the last 12 months. 'The regular arrests of drug mules should send a stern warning that police in South Africa and in particular at this port of entry are always on high alert to clamp down on criminality,' stated Mathe. International punishments. A recent study released by Harm Reduction International (HRI) shows that 34 countries retained the death penalty for drug offences. HRI stated that at least 615 people were executed for drug offences in 2024, predominantly in China, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Singapore. 'Executions are assumed to have been carried out in North Korea and Vietnam, on which information is lacking due to state secrecy and censorship,' HRI stated. Additionally, 377 offenders were sentenced to death in 19 counties, while at least 2 300 offenders across 19 countries were on death row for drug charges. 'In the 34 countries that retain the death penalty for drug offences, capital punishment is typically applied for cultivating and manufacturing controlled substances, and for smuggling, trafficking or importing or exporting controlled substances,' stated the report. NOW READ: One in four alcohol addicted teens first exposed by family members
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
🧨 Mbangula to Premier, Calhanoglu bid, Embolo to Milan? 🤑
On a day marked by the tragic loss of Diogo Jota and his brother André (here are the messages of condolence, the words of CR7 and Klopp), the market and negotiations continue to develop in view of the next season. Let's look at today's news regarding the transfer market of the big Italian clubs. Juve, Fulham on Mbangula Despite the transfer to Nottingham Forest falling through, Mbangula remains a hot name for a move to the Premier League. The Belgian winger, in fact, continues to attract interest among English clubs. Advertisement According to Matteo Moretto, Fulham has set its sights on the 2004 class talent. It remains to be seen if the London club will decide to move forward concretely. Milan, Embolo proposed As reported by Matteo Moretto, Breel Embolo has been proposed to Milan. The 28-year-old striker currently at Monaco, however, does not particularly interest the Rossoneri management. The club is taking its time because - always according to Moretto - it will try to get a striker towards the end of July or beginning of August. For now, the priority remains the negotiation for Ardon Jashari. Inter, Galatasaray inquires about Calha Hakan Calhanoglu has not expressed - for now - the desire to leave Inter but Galatasaray has moved to know the economic conditions of the transfer. Advertisement According to Matteo Moretto the club has put on the table a figure between 15 and 20 million, while Inter asks for at least 35/40. Waiting for developments, the Nerazzurri are considering possible alternatives: they like Richard Rios from Palmeiras and Nicolò Rovella from Lazio. Napoli, swap with Sevilla? As written by the Corriere dello Sport, Napoli has relaunched for Juanlu Sanchez, right-back class 2003 from Sevilla: 12 million base + 2 million bonus and there was also discussion about including Giovanni Simeone in the negotiation. Sevilla, however, would have asked for 20 million despite Simeone being a profile appreciated by the club. Meanwhile, there is also concrete interest in Cholito from newly promoted Pisa. Roma, offer for Wesley rejected A possible ally of Roma in the race for Wesley could be Everton, another company owned by the Friedkin but not subject to financial fair play restrictions. The hypothesis that is emerging is that of a purchase by the English club, followed by an immediate loan to the Giallorossi. Advertisement However, as reported by the Brazilian portal S1Live, Flamengo has already rejected a first proposal advanced by Everton. Lazio, looking at free agents Due to the market block, Lotito is exploring every possible solution to support Sarri at least until January: for this reason he is looking at the list of free agents that would be available from October 1st. According to Il Messaggero, among the profiles considered there would be Jack Bonaventura for the midfield, Junior Firpo for the left wing and the young striker Jeronimo Domina from Union Santa Fe. Fiorentina, Lindelof back in fashion Fiorentina could reignite interest in Victor Lindelof. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Swedish defender - already probed in the past - has a friendship with former teammate De Gea, which could facilitate a possible negotiation. For Zortea from Cagliari, however, a lot will depend on the fate of Dodô. Advertisement In midfield, the Viola club is closely following Bernabé from Parma and Frendrup from Genoa. Both are valued at at least 20 million euros, but the Spaniard has already shown openness to the transfer. For the Norwegian, however, Fiorentina could take advantage of good relations with Genoa, consolidated in the Gudmundsson operation. This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here. 📸 FREDERIC DIDES - AFP or licensors
