In December 2014 the South African Institute for Drugfree Sport (SAIDS) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Athlete Thozama April after her sample tested positive for the prohibited substances 19-norandrosterone, 19-noretiocholanolone (Nandrolone), Phentermine, Prednisolone and Prednisone. After notification the Athlete filed a statement in her defence and she was heard for the SAIDS Anti-Doping Hearing Panel.
The Athlete denied the intentional use of these substances and stated that they only could have entered her system through the prescribed medication she had used and mentioned on the Doping Control Form. Also the Athlete raised some procedural concerns in this case.
The Panel finds that the Athlete failed to establish how the prohibited substances entered her system nor did she demonstrate grounds for a reduced sanction. Also after notification of the violation the Athlete ignored a provisional suspension and continued to compete.
Therefore the SAIDS Anti-Doping Hearing Panel decides on 28 April 2015 to impose a 2 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete starting on the date of the notification, i.e. on 29 December 2014.
