A Zimbabwean man has been arrested by Limpopo police after he was found with explosives worth R600,000. Photo: Supplied/Hawks
Image: Hawks
A relatively routine border crossing took a dramatic turn after Limpopo police arrested a 48-year-old Zimbabwean man for alleged unlawful possession of explosives valued at over R600,000 at the Beitbridge Port of Entry.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, said the man was arrested on Tuesday after police stopped a trailer truck from Zimbabwe to South Africa at the Beitbridge border.
"They asked a driver to open a trailer so that the search can be conducted. The driver informed the police that he does not have keys for the trailers. Police forcibly opened the trailer and conducted a search, and they found bags containing items suspected to be explosives," said provincial Hawks spokesperson, Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa.
After the discovery, Mmuroa said police called the Musina-based Bomb Technicians, Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation, and Local Criminal Record Central for further assistance.
Mmuroa added that when the units arrived, they thoroughly searched the truck for the second time.
"As a result, the team found 16 reels of detonating fuse explosives, 2182 superpowers, and 90 blasting cartridges explosives. The suspect was arrested."
A Zimbabwean man was arrested for alleged unlawful possession of explosives valued at over R600,000 at the Beitbridge Port of Entry. Photo: Supplied/Hawks
Image: Hawks
He is expected to make his first court appearance in the Musina Magistrate's Court on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the provincial head of Hawks in Limpopo, Major General Gopz Govender, commended the team for the arrest.
"This is a clear indication that the law enforcement is winning a fight against transnational criminals," said Govender.
In another similar case in February, a 37-year-old South African man allegedly attempting to enter Eswatini via the Mananga Border Gate was arrested after he was found with 12 Magex Maxam blasting explosives.
The product is notorious for its application in mining, quarrying, and construction industries due to its high detonation velocity and explosive power.
Times of Swaziland reported that the arrest was executed by members of the Royal Eswatini Police Service during routine border checks, which prompted an immediate investigation into the matter.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
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