Windhoek
The lawyer for the two women charged with possession of ephedrine prescription drugs plans to call a physician who serves on the Medical Board to testify in defence of the two accused.
The doctor, who regularly deals with the Medicines and Related Substances Control Act, will testify that it is not illegal to carry such prescription drugs.
Defence counsel Vetu Uanivi, who is representing Zimbabwean national Priscilla Masa, 26, and South African national Sisa Heather Buthelezi, 38, made the revelation on Monday when he asked a postponement of the hearing to August 5.
The matter is being heard in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court before magistrate Ingrid Lerato Unengu.
Masa and Buthelezi were arrested at a guest house in Windhoek in December 2012 for possession of illicit drugs after apparent suspicious behaviour on their part was communicated to the police.
When the drug squad arrived at the guest house a search yielded 20.1kg of ephedrine concealed in the hidden compartments of their luggage. It is alleged Masa was in possession of 9.930kg of the substance, while Buthelezi was in possession of 10.260kg, which at the time had a combined value of about N$10 million.
Ephedrine is a Schedule IV drug and is used to manufacture cold and flu medicines, among others. The two women are each charged with illegally dealing in prohibited dangerous substances, illegally importing prohibited drugs into Namibia and illegal possession of prohibited drugs. They denied the charges against them when they entered pleas of “not guilty” at the start of their trial on February 14, 2014.
“The reason why the defence is requesting a postponement is because we managed to secure an expert witness whom we want to come and testify on behalf of the accused,” Uanivi informed the court. The defence lawyer added that the witness is from the Medical Board and works with the “medicines Act regularly”.
“He is a crucial witness,” he added.
The lawyer further said that the witness would assist the court with what ephedrine is and who may carry such substances. “That is why we seek a postponement,” Uanivi informed the court.
It is reported drug dealers also use this substance to make illicit drugs, among others ‘tik’ (crystal methamphetamine), Mandrax and Ecstasy.
In January the two were informed that their trial was postponed to March to allow for the complete typing of a court record for their trial.
The two women were remanded in custody.
Georgitte Kathja Losper represented the State.