Van Der Hultes Vs. Attorney General – sllr 1989 volume 1 page 204

In the case of Stephanus Cornelius Van Der Hultes (appellant) v. Attorney-General (respondent), the court addressed whether the appellant possessed the requisite mens rea for offences of possessing and attempting to export heroin, as required by the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (amended by Act No. 13 of 1984). The appeal also raised evidentiary questions regarding discrepancies in the weight and identification of the five heroin packets seized. It was held that the prosecution had established the identity of the heroin packets beyond reasonable doubt and that the accused was aware of carrying a prohibited substance. While a difference was noted between the indictment and evidence regarding the quantity of heroin, this was found not to have prejudiced the trial. The impositi