Zimbabwean Man Arrested for Smuggling R600,000 in Explosives at Beitbridge
A Zimbabwean man was arrested at Beitbridge Border for smuggling explosives worth R600,000. Limpopo police discovered the explosives after forcibly opening a trailer truck. The Hawks praised the operation as a victory against transnational crime, citing previous similar arrests involving explosives.
A border crossing at Beitbridge turned serious when a 48-year-old Zimbabwean man was arrested for having R600,000 worth of explosives. Limpopo police, assisted by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, conducted a search on a trailer truck coming from Zimbabwe. The driver initially refused to open the trailer, claiming he did not have the keys, prompting police to forcibly open it, leading to the discovery of suspicious bags believed to contain explosives.
Upon discovering the explosives, police called in specialized units, including Bomb Technicians and the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation. The thorough search revealed a significant cache of explosives, including 16 reels of detonating fuse explosives, 2,182 superpowers, and 90 blasting cartridges. Following this, the suspect was taken into custody and is set to appear in the Musina Magistrate’s Court.
Major General Gopz Govender, the Hawks provincial head in Limpopo, praised the operation, emphasizing its importance in combating transnational crime. This incident follows another arrest earlier this year, where a South African was apprehended at the Mananga Border Gate for carrying blasting explosives. Magex Maxam explosives, known for their high detonation velocity, were involved in that case and are commonly used in mining and construction activities.
The successful arrest of a Zimbabwean man at Beitbridge highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to tackle the illegal smuggling of dangerous explosives across borders. With the seizure of over R600,000 in explosives and the swift response from specialized units, authorities are reinforcing their commitment to combat transnational crime. This incident, alongside previous arrests, underscores a growing concern regarding the trade and use of explosives in various industries.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
