News National Sheryl Cwele reports to begin prison sentence

04 OCT 2012 09:44 - GIORDANO STOLLEY Convicted drug dealer Sheryl Cwele has handed herself over to authorities at the Pietermaritzburg High Court to begin serving her 20-year prison term. OUR COVERAGE Sheryl Cwele's appeal gives mule new hope MORE COVERAGE Sheryl Cwele not in jail yet Sheryl Cwele sentence increased to 20 years Cwele did not speak to waiting journalists. Smartly dressed in black dress and wearing a black and white floral coat, Cwele entered the building. She was expected to be taken to Durban's Westville Prison in a police van later. Cwele and her co-accused Frank Nabolisa failed to have their convictions overturned by the Supreme Court of Appeal on Monday. The court also increased their sentences from 12 to 20 years. Court president Lex Mpati said the sentence imposed by the trial court was disturbingly inappropriate. Cwele (50) was only appealing her conviction, while Nabolisa appealed both his conviction and sentence. Cwele was given three days upon receipt of the judgment to hand herself to authorities. The National Prosecuting Authority said the two could still launch an appeal with the Constitutional Court. 'Constitutional Court' "[They] have 21 days to hand an application in at the ConCourt," said NPA spokesperson Natasha Ramkisoon. "But there was no indication of any constitutional grounds mentioned of this at the case," she added. Both pleaded not guilty to conspiring to deal in drugs, to procuring a woman, Charmaine Moss, to collect drugs in Turkey, and to procuring another woman, Tessa Beetge, to smuggle cocaine from South America. The two were found guilty of drug dealing by the Pietermaritzburg High Court in May 2011. Nabolisa had been in custody until now. Cwele was out on R100 000 bail. She is the ex-wife of State Security Minister Siyabonga Cwele. – Sapa Mail & Guardian - - Comments by Sonny - - Will there be a twist to this tale...... Will she get a presidential pardon before Xmas....? Will the "Spooks" whisk her away to comfort and luxury? WATCH THIS SPACE FOR DETAILS. ANOTHER TWO DRUG SMUGGLERS BITES THE DUST.......