Zimbabwean Man Arrested for Smuggling Explosives Worth R600,000 at Beitbridge Border

A Zimbabwean man was arrested at the Beitbridge Port of Entry for possessing over R600,000 worth of explosives. The police discovered the explosives during a search of a trailer truck, leading to the man’s arrest. Major General Gopz Govender commended the arrest, indicating progress in the fight against transnational crime.

Recently, a routine crossing at the Beitbridge Port of Entry turned into a significant event when Limpopo police detained a 48-year-old Zimbabwean man for allegedly possessing over R600,000 worth of explosives unlawfully. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, conducted the arrest after the police halted a trailer truck traveling from Zimbabwe to South Africa.

According to Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa, the police requested the driver to open the trailer for a search; however, the driver claimed he did not possess the keys. Consequently, law enforcement officers forcibly opened the trailer and discovered bags filled with items suspected to be explosives. Upon this discovery, additional resources, including Musina-based Bomb Technicians and other investigative units, were summoned for assistance.

Upon their thorough examination of the truck, the team identified 16 reels of detonating fuse explosives, 2,182 superpowers, and 90 blasting cartridges. The individual was subsequently arrested and is scheduled to appear in the Musina Magistrate’s Court.

Major General Gopz Govender, the provincial head of the Hawks in Limpopo, praised the team’s efforts in making the arrest, stating their actions demonstrate progress in combating transnational crime. In a related incident from February, a 37-year-old South African man was apprehended at the Mananga Border Gate while attempting to smuggle 12 Magex Maxam blasting explosives, highlighting the continuing challenge of illegal explosives trafficking in the region.

This incident emphasizes the vigilant efforts of law enforcement agencies in curbing the illegal trafficking of explosives at borders. The success of the Hawks in this arrest signals a noteworthy advantage in the battle against transnational crime and underscores the necessity of continued diligence at border crossings.

Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com