South African Court Sentences Namibian Woman to Eight Years as Online Romance Turns Costly


Pauline Mbangula, aged 30
Pauline Mbangula, aged 30

A Namibian woman who became entangled in an international drug smuggling case has been sentenced to eight years behind bars in South Africa.

Pauline Mbangula, aged 30, was convicted for drug possession and trafficking at Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court after pleading guilty. Her sentencing took place on June 24, following her arrest in September last year at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport.

Mbangula was apprehended after flying in from São Paulo, Brazil. Investigations revealed she had swallowed more than 68 cocaine pellets, which were later recovered by authorities.

Investigations revealed Mbangula had swallowed more than 68 cocaine pellets

According to reports, Mbangula became involved with a Nigerian man she had met online. The two reportedly travelled from Luanda, Angola, to São Paulo, but she returned alone to Johannesburg, where her arrest took place.

Her case has sparked wider conversations around how young women are lured into drug trafficking schemes through short-term relationships and online connections.

This is not an isolated case. Another Namibian woman, Helvi Ndapanda Kristian, aged 26, remains jailed in Ethiopia. Kristian was arrested in January last year at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa after authorities discovered over 4.7 kilograms of cocaine in her luggage. She too had been returning from São Paulo, a known drug trafficking hub.

Both cases continue to raise concern over the increasing risks faced by young women who fall prey to such dangerous schemes.

0Comments

Share This Post

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


Sport News

CELEB STORIES
Veteran Nollywood Actor Tom Njemanze Dies at 75
TUWJul 20, 2025
Tom Njemanze died at 75

Veteran Nollywood actor Tom Njemanze has passed away at the age of 75 after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer.…

Johana Swartbooi Crowned Miss Namibia 2025 held in Ongwediva
Karrel HamutenyaJul 20, 2025
Johanna Swartnooi

Johana Swartbooi was officially crowned Miss Namibia 2025 during a grand ceremony held in Ongwediva on Saturday, marking a defining…

Young T Busted for DUI arrest — King Tee Dee Couldn’t Resist the Clapback!
TUWJul 17, 2025
King Tee Dee and Young T drama

Namibian music entertainment just got a fresh dose of drama and no, it’s not a new collab. It’s an arrest,…

“Share the Video!” – Fans Demand UK Performance Clip from Swart Baster
TUWJul 12, 2025
Fans Demand UK Performance Clip from Swart Baster

Namibian artist Allen Jonathan, popularly known as Swart Baster, jetted off to the United Kingdom on 9 June 2025, following…


HEALTH TOPICS
Kayofa’s Cancer Journey Inspires Hope as Ongwediva Oncology Centre Breaks Ground
Aneli FuraJul 19, 2025
Kayofa’s Cancer Journey Inspires Hope as Ongwediva Oncology Centre Breaks Ground

For Ndayelekwa Kayofa, a breast cancer diagnosis last October was not a moment of surrender—but the beginning of a battle for life, family, and purpose.…

WHO Endorses Biannual HIV Prevention Injection to Strengthen Global Response
Aneli FuraJul 15, 2025
WHO Endorses Biannual HIV Prevention Injection to Strengthen Global Response

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recommended the use of lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable medication, as a new tool in the fight against HIV.…

Rundu State Hospital Faces Negligence Allegations, Including Measuring Patients’ Temperature by Hand
TUWJul 10, 2025
Rundu Hospital

A patient has accused Rundu State Hospital of poor service after claiming to leave the facility feeling worse than when admitted for surgery on Monday,…

52 Students Awarded Scholarships to Power Namibia’s Healthcare Future
TUWJul 3, 2025
**52 Students Awarded Scholarships to Power Namibia’s Healthcare Future

In a major step towards strengthening Namibia’s healthcare workforce, 52 aspiring health professionals have been awarded scholarships to pursue their undergraduate studies within the country’s…

Africa