South African Court Sentences Nigerian, Local Accomplice to 37 Years for Drug Trafficking

A South African court on Tuesday handed long-term prison sentences to a Nigerian man, Victor Udoh, and his South African accomplice, Vuyisekha Mzwakhe, following convictions for drug trafficking.

Udoh, 33, received 22 years, 20 years for drug-related offences and two years for immigration violations, while Mzwakhe was sentenced to 15 years for her role as a courier in the operations.

Authorities revealed that the pair coordinated drug shipments through social media channels. Mzwakhe allegedly contacted Udoh via messaging apps to transport narcotics across major cities including Johannesburg, Durban, and Plettenberg Bay, with Udoh covering her travel and accommodation expenses.

On 15 October 2021, the duo collected a parcel containing 743 grams of methamphetamine at a guesthouse in George before boarding a taxi to Oudtshoorn. Law enforcement intercepted the taxi, discovering the drugs, valued at roughly R260,050, in Mzwakhe’s possession.

During the trial, prosecutors described Udoh as the mastermind of the trafficking network, while Mzwakhe was deemed a willing participant. Both defendants had pleaded not guilty, but the court ruled that the evidence presented was convincing and legally sound.

The court also heard that Udoh had resided illegally in South Africa for over five years after his asylum request was rejected. Both defendants had spent considerable time in custody during the proceedings, Udoh for five years and Mzwakhe for one year after skipping bail.

South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority praised the ruling, stressing the impact of drug-related crimes on local communities and affirming continued commitment to combating narcotics trafficking.

The sentencing underscores heightened vigilance by South African authorities against cross-border drug networks and the severe consequences for those involved.