Nigerian, South African Associate Bag 37-yr Jail Terms For Drug Trafficking

A South African court has sentenced a Nigerian national, Victor Udoh, and his South African female accomplice, Vuyisekha Mzwakhe, to a combined 37 years in prison after finding them guilty of drug-related offences and other violations.

According to Nova News, the Oudtshoorn Regional Court handed Udoh, 33, a 22-year sentence, 20 years for drug trafficking and two years for immigration violations. Mzwakhe received 15 years for her role as a courier in the operation.

Court records showed the case began in 2021 when Mzwakhe contacted Udoh via social media, offering to transport items between major South African cities. Prosecutors said she voluntarily participated as a drug courier and received funds from Udoh to cover travel and accommodation.

Investigators traced the operation to a guesthouse in George, where a parcel was delivered to the pair on October 15, 2021. Police intercepted a taxi transporting the suspects to Oudtshoorn, discovering 743 grams of methamphetamine, commonly called “tik”, with an estimated street value of R260,050.

During the trial, State Prosecutor Hyron Goulding described Udoh as the coordinator and Mzwakhe as a willing participant. Both pleaded not guilty, with Mzwakhe denying knowledge of the package and Udoh challenging the legality of the search. The court ruled the search was lawful.

The court also heard that Udoh had been residing illegally in South Africa for over five years after his 2016 asylum application was rejected. Mzwakhe, initially granted bail, was rearrested for failing to appear in court, while Udoh remained in custody throughout the five-year trial.

The National Prosecuting Authority praised the ruling, emphasising South Africa’s commitment to tackling drug-related crimes, which are major drivers of violence and community destabilisation.