Cape Town — Police have arrested two suspects at the Beitbridge Border Post for attempting to smuggle illicit explosives into the country from Zimbabwe.
The arrest came on Thursday morning as part of police’s concerted efforts to keep contraband out of the country. The operation continues to prove successful as police caught two suspects, aged 32 and 42, allegedly trying to sneak more than 100 illegal explosives into the country, a police statement said.
“The suspects were arrested at about 00:30, as they crossed into South Africa from Zimbabwe. This after their Toyota Quantum with a trailer was stopped, and upon searching it, Police discovered commercial explosives concealed inside the bags.” Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, said.
“Members of the Musina Explosive Unit attended the scene and 124 blasting cartridges, and at least 109 safety fuses were confiscated.” Ledwaba added.
#sapsLIM The concerted efforts by the police at the Beitbridge Border Post to eradicate the smuggling of illegal goods into the country, continue to yield positive results following the arrest of two suspects aged 32 and 42 in the early hours of Thursday, 30 May 2024 for… pic.twitter.com/teZvwqmkjq
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) May 31, 2024
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has commended the members for their vigilance as manifested during the interception of the alleged smugglers.
The suspects are expected to appear before Musina Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 31 May 2024 on a charge of smuggling and possession of explosives.
According to The Citizen, South Africa has tried it’s best to fix illegal activities at the borders and established the Border Management Authority in April 2023. At the time, Ramaphosa said the border problems made South Africa weak and and open to crime and corruption from other countries.
“It is important to curb human smuggling and trafficking. The Border Management Authority will help in combatting cross-border crime as well. That is why it has become an important arm of our security apparatus.” he said.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: Pixabay
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Matthew Petersen
