A truck was intercepted at the Beitbridge Port of Entry near Musina after authorities allegedly discovered a large consignment of explosives concealed inside, leading to the arrest of a driver.
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A truck transporting a large consignment of explosives was intercepted at the Beitbridge Port of Entry near Musina, Limpopo, on Friday.
The Limpopo Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit of the Hawks said a coordinated multidisciplinary team, comprising its members, the Border Management Authority (BMA) and Musina SAPS, stopped the vehicle as it allegedly entered South Africa from Zimbabwe.
According to spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba, the 42-year-old truck driver allegedly attempted to evade arrest, but “the alert team acted swiftly and successfully apprehended the suspect”.
Fumba said a detailed search of the truck uncovered a significant cache of explosives concealed inside.
These included “3,970 blasting cartridge tubes, 48 Cammex connector capsules and 10 reels of detonator fuse”.
The estimated value of the seized explosives is approximately R769,000.
In addition, the truck used in the commission of the alleged offence was confiscated and is valued at about R2 million, bringing the total estimated value of confiscated items to R2,769,000.
Authorities said the Musina Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) and the Musina Explosives Unit were immediately called to the scene to process and secure the evidence.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Musina District Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing a charge of possession of explosives.
The Acting Provincial Head of the Hawks in Limpopo, Brigadier Lesibana Meshack Malapile, issued a stern warning, saying: “This is not just an arrest but it is a warning. Criminals must understand that our borders are not open doors for danger.
''What was intercepted here could have destroyed lives, families and communities. Every explosive taken off the streets is a life saved."
hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za
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