OR Tambo drug bust: Family shocked as five suspects appear in Court

The family of one of the accused in the drug mule case says they were shocked after learning that their 42-year-old sister had been implicated in drug trafficking. 

The suspect, who EWN understands recently became unemployed, had just started a small business at the time of her arrest.

She is one of five suspects aged between 25 and 48 expected to appear at the Kempton Park Magistrates Court this afternoon.

The group faces charges linked to possession and trafficking of cocaine valued at R5 million.

They were arrested at the OR Tambo International Airport on Saturday.

Proceedings were delayed this morning after an incomplete docket was brought to court.

Speaking to Eyewitness News, a family member of the accused says she learned about her sister's arrest from the media after attempts to reach her on the phone failed

"She needs to associate herself with the challenge she is facing, and we must also allow the law to take its course so that we will be able to pass this and then she can serve her time in jail maybe she will become a changed person we don't know."

The state is expected to oppose bail.