‘Boss lady’ Khadija Mingel has case to answer in cocaine trafficking allegation, court rules

The Lusaka Magistrate’s Court has ruled that Kitwe-based businesswoman Khadija Mingel, popularly known as “Boss Lady,” has a case to answer in a matter in which she is accused of trafficking in cocaine.

Delivering the ruling under heavy security, the court found that the State had presented sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case, compelling Mingel to open her defence. She is expected to do so on January 29.

Mingel, 36, was arrested on May 16, 2025, by Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) officers who allegedly found her with 25 pellets of suspected cocaine weighing about 500 grammes. The prosecution claims the drugs were intended for delivery, although no intended recipient was identified at the time of the arrest.

The court heard that Mingel had been under surveillance prior to her arrest and was suspected of supplying drugs between the Copperbelt and North-Western provinces. Prosecuting officer Borniface Mbulo testified that preliminary tests conducted on the seized substance tested positive for cocaine.

During cross-examination, the defence questioned the handling of the exhibits, laboratory procedures, and documentation—citing alleged inconsistencies in laboratory registers and the seizure notice. The defence further argued that Mingel was not found selling drugs at the time of her arrest.

However, in re-examination, the prosecution clarified that Mingel was formally charged on May 19, 2025, after laboratory analysis confirmed the substance was cocaine, and that the suspected drugs were seized after officers properly identified themselves.

Mingel first appeared before the Lusaka Magistrate’s Court in November last year, where she pleaded not guilty and trial commenced.

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