South Africans at heart of Kipoi drug case deported

By Simon Masaba

DEDRE Marx, 45, a bookkeeper and her husband Willie Nel, 38, a mechanic are to be deported back to their native South Africa a month after they were arrested and held on drug related charges.

The couple allegedly came into the country as tourists on the invitation of Bubulo West MP Tony Kipoi. However, the couple claims they were held captive by the legislator’s brother, only identified as Alex, and were denied food and other essentials.

Dedre alleges that Alex demanded for 80000 Rands as ransom to be paid to police if they were to avoid arrest for illegal entry into the country.

“They checked my phone, called my father and asked for money. He demanded to speak to me to prove whether I was alive so I used the chance to tell him that I was ok and there was no reason to pay the money since I had committed no crime” Dedre explained.

She continued, “We recorded statements with police before the Inspector General of Police asked to speak to us and he got us food and has since been taking care of us pending police investigations.” 

The couple have been putting up at Imperial Royale Hotel for the past month after spending one day in detention.

They say they were introduced to Kipoi by his South African colleague in Johannesburg only identified Michael.

“Michael introduced Kipoi as ‘Joseph’ but to our surprise, the pictures hanging on the walls at his home identified him as MP Tony Kipoi so this indicated to us that he was lying.” Dedre revealed.

Dedre expressed gratitude over IGP Kale Kayihura’s generosity and said it was the reason they were still alive.

In June 2012, Interpol was reportedly asked to investigate Kipoi over suspected drug trafficking. This followed the arrest of Ugandan Moses Shaban Khuju in Brazil with 80 plastic capsules containing 1.19 kg of cocaine.

Kipoi was also in December arrested in Fortportal, Kabarole district, while he was allegedly holding a meeting with some Ugandan security officers and Congolese rebel officers.