Booysen case

A case involving some Brazilian suspects raided and found in possession of cocaine is different from the Booysen case of 2021 regarding loss of 136 kgs of cocaine and unrelated to the Aeroton cocaine in this matter.

“This is the case involving some suspects, some Brazilian suspects who on the basis of intelligence were raided and were found in possession of cocaine ... We have no way of linking the Aeroton cocaine to this cocaine. We are not suggesting that what is being weighed out on that scale came from Aeroton.”

Further examination of Tumelo Nku's device revealed screenshots containing communications about vessels, containers, piers, and discussions about taking photographs of a container and its seal, indicating monitoring activity prior to the Booysen case.

“Further examination of Tumelo Nku’s device revealed several screenshots containing communications relating to vessels , containers and piers . The communications include the discussion regarding the taking of photographs of a container and its seal .”

Communications dating back to May 2021 indicate that the individuals were monitoring certain containers before the Booysen case, and their operation was successful on May 21, 2021.

“communication dates back to 21 May 2021 , which also ... we realised that their operation was successful on that day .”

The narcotics problem in the country is large and persists regardless of significant drug seizures, exemplified by the Booysen case where over 700 kilograms were taken off the street but the street price did not decrease significantly.

“we took over 700 kilograms off the street and still that did not influence the street price that much... that just goes to show how big the problem is and on what amounts these drugs come into our country”

Due to the premature arrests and lack of follow-up on alibis, the Booysen case was not successful and was removed from the roll following representations.

“The above will have serious implications on any future representations made by the DPCI to have the Booysen case placed back on the roll. So, the effect of it is no successful prosecution will come from this.”