In two separate high-stakes operations, police seized a total of eight bags of explosives valued at more than R2.5 million, arresting a woman in Tshwane and two foreign nationals along Limpopo’s N1.
Authorities confirmed the incidents are unrelated, highlighting the ongoing vigilance of law enforcement in preventing potentially catastrophic crimes.
The first incident occurred in Limpopo’s Capricorn district early on Friday, 28 November, when members of Polokwane SAPS International Airport were conducting routine crime-prevention operations along the N1 North. Officers stopped a Toyota Quantum pulling a trailer with Gauteng registration plates and discovered seven bags of explosives.
“The vehicle was from Zimbabwe, heading to Gauteng province in Johannesburg. The taxi, with two occupants including the driver, was stopped and searched. Inside the seven bags, we found 2,150 connector fuses, 40 detonator cords, and 247 blaster cartridges, with a street value of R2.5 million,” said Limpopo provincial spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba.
Following the discovery,both male suspects, aged between 45 and 50, were immediately arrested.
Ledwaba said the explosives, the vehicle, and the trailer were confiscated as part of the ongoing investigation.
The two suspects are set to appear in Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Monday, December 1, facing charges for illegal possession of explosives.
Meanwhile, in Tshwane, police arrested a woman for illegal possession of explosives in Atteridgeville on Saturday, 29 November, at around 09:00. Members of SAPS Atteridgeville were conducting routine crime-prevention patrols along the R511 when they noticed a suspicious Mercedes-Benz Sprinter heading toward Hartbeespoortdam.
“The vehicle was brought to a stop, and members approached tactically. The occupants were asked to step out and present their luggage for inspection,” said Tshwane district spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk.
Van Dyk explained that during the search, officers found multiple explosives and related components in the female passenger’s bag.
“She was unable to provide a valid explanation for having these items and was immediately taken into custody,” he said.
The South African Police Service Bomb Disposal Unit was called in to safely secure and remove the explosives.
Van Dyk added that a case docket has been opened, and investigations are ongoing to determine the origin and intended destination of the explosives. The suspect has been formally charged with illegal possession of explosives.
Major-General Samuel Thine praised the vigilance and swift action of police members in both operations, noting that such proactive enforcement is crucial in safeguarding communities from potentially devastating crimes.
The Star