South African mother and daughter escape the gallows (Updated)

GEORGE TOWN: A mother and daughter wept tears of joy and relief after they were discharged and acquitted by the High Court here today for a drug trafficking charge four years ago.
In his decision, Justice Dato Lim Chong Fong said the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against South African nationals Leilanie Calitz, 40, and her mother Catherine Terblanche Millicent, 68, at the end of the prosecution's case.
He said the prosecution had failed to establish a chain of evidence in relation to the identity of the drugs, between what was purportedly discovered and seized.
Lim said there was also contradicting statements given by the chemist during the course of the trial that spanned more than 10 days.
"Therefore I order for both the accused to be acquitted and discharged," he said.
Catherine was charged with trafficking in 3,087gm of methamphetamine at the arrival hall of the Penang International Airport at 8.45pm on Nov 11, 2014, while Leilanie, was charged with trafficking in 2,290gm of methamphetamine at the same place, time and day.
Both of them were charged under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 which carries the mandatory death penalty upon conviction.
The prosecution was represented by Deputy Public Prosecutor Nur Liyana Mohd Jafri while Leilanie and Catherine were represented by Simon Murali, Sukhindarpal Singh and Kok Yuen Lin who acted pro bono.
Both mother and daughter were however rearrested by the Immigration Department for overstaying in the country.
Before being led away, Leilanie thanked her lawyer and the wardens at the Jawi Prison for helping them during the course of their trial.
"Thanks to God and everyone for helping us," she said.