Breaking News: South Africa Sees Three Distinct Developments
In a trio of unrelated incidents, South Africa has witnessed a drug mule’s arrest, a psychic’s claim to contact a missing girl, and an inmate’s daring escape from a correctional center.
A 33-year-old woman was apprehended at OR Tambo International Airport after attempting to smuggle 10 kilograms of cocaine into the country. The alleged drug mule had traveled to Brazil under the guise of shopping for her upcoming wedding, but her luggage was searched by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team at customs. Two suspects were identified and questioned at the police station, claiming they were waiting for a traveler from another location but unable to provide proof.
In a separate incident, American psychic Kandis Starr has claimed to have made contact with missing girl Joshlin Smith, who has been missing since February 19. Starr posted a video on TikTok, using a playhouse, a teddy bear, a picture of Elmo from Sesame Street, and a photoshopped image of Joshlin, asserting she is channeling the missing girl. The video has garnered over 67,000 views, 1,500 likes, and 160 comments, and has been shared over 180 times. Joshlin’s mother, Kelly Smith, along with her boyfriend and others, are currently detained and facing charges of kidnapping and trafficking in persons for exploitation.
Lastly, an inmate, Dumisani Mthethwa, escaped from the Waterval Correctional Centre in KwaZulu-Natal. Mthethwa, who was serving a 15-year sentence for robbery with aggravating circumstances, was part of a team assigned to work in the centre’s garden when he made his escape. The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is investigating the incident.
These three incidents highlight the diverse nature of crime and law enforcement in South Africa, from drug trafficking to missing persons cases and prison breaks.
