This as the police in the North West are investigating the death of a woman in Vryburg in March, who allegedly bought medicine from this same suspect.

The provincial spokesperson of the Hawks in the NC, Nomthandazo Mnisi, says Moredanis Mulelu (42) has been remanded in custody after the state opposed his bail. His co-accused, Wendy Moholo (27), was released on bail of R2 500 with strict conditions. The duo was arrested last week by the Hawks’ Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation for allegedly contravening the Medicines and Related Substance Act 101 of 1965, and theft, amongst others. Mnisi says Mulelu will again appear in court later this month, on the 26th.

She says Moholo will have to report at the Barkley West Police Station every Friday as part of the conditions attached to her bail. Mnisi previously told OFM News that a search and seizure disruptive operation was conducted on an alleged illegal herbal shop and medication was seized. 

She further explains that the two were found to be operating an illegal herbal shop where they were allegedly being supplied by a pharmacy assistant employed at a local pharmacy in the same town. Mnisi said these two were selling schedule 1 to schedule 4 medicines over the counter. Minisi says the two have allegedly contravened the Medicines and Related Substance Act 101 of 1965.

Although you do not need a prescription for schedule 1 and 2 medicines, you can only buy them from a pharmacy and they must be given to you by a pharmacist. In South Africa, any medicine classified as schedule 3 or higher is a prescription medicine. By law, you can only get a 6-month repeat prescription for schedule 3 and schedule 4 medicines. Medicine with a high scheduling status (usually schedule 5 and above) is treated differently because of its habit-forming nature and potentially harmful side effects — pharmacists keep a record of all sales and repeat prescriptions are limited or not given, and need to be renewed.

OFM News