R2.2m drugs in luggage case back in court

XOLANI Dimba, the bus passenger accused of drug dealing after allegedly being found in possession of drugs worth R2.2 million, will return to the Beaufort West Magistrate’s Court today.

The 37-year-old made a second appearance yesterday where his case was rolled over to today. National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said the Legal Aid attorney did not come on record but a private attorney would come on record if Dimba had the financial means.

“The case is postponed for legal representation and to arrange a date for a formal bail application,” said Ntabazalila.

The man from Durban had indicated during his first appearance last Friday that he needed legal aid and the case was also postponed for the State to check whether he had any prior convictions.

Dimba, who was on a Cape Townbound bus, was arrested on Thursday at a roadblock in the Karoo for alleged possession of drugs worth R2.2m.

He was the first passenger to board the bus at the Durban Beach front in KZN.

The vehicle was stopped at a weighbridge and during a police routine inspection a narcotics dog reacted positively to the presence of drugs in one of the pieces of luggage.

“Police found the name of the accused on the tag attached to the bag together with the serial number of his ticket. The bus driver also checked his list and took the police to the accused’s seat.

“According to the driver, the accused confirmed in his presence to the police that the luggage was his.

“He was arrested and charged with dealing in drugs,” Ntabazalila said.