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The Citizen
17-05-2025
- The Citizen
Foreign national arrested with explosives headed to Cape Town
Police say the explosives were rendered safe and samples were taken for forensic analysis. The trailer in which the explosives were found. Picture: Saps A 28-year-old Zimbabwean national has been caught with explosives on his way to Cape Town, police confirmed. The man was stopped during a search on Friday morning at the Beitbridge port of entry. It is the latest discovery of explosives at Beitbridge that has seen several such discoveries in recent months. 'The suspect was apprehended during a routine search operation at approximately 6.30am when a detector dog handler discovered suspicious items concealed in red 50kg polyester bags inside a trailer. The trailer, was being towed by a white Toyota Quantum vehicle,' said police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba Among the items found were: Six reels of detonating fuses; 2 505 Superpower explosives; 90 blasting cartridges; and 100 Carmex connector capped fuses. 'The explosives were rendered safe and samples were taken for forensic analysis,' said Ledwaba. Beyond more concerning reasons for explosives, such as terrorism, they may have been sent into the country for illegal mining operations, a scourge that the government has yet to eradicate. Headed to Cape Town He said initial investigations indicate that the consignment was reportedly destined for Cape Town. The man is expected to appear before the Musina Magistrate's Court on Monday, 19 May, for the illegal possession of explosives. Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe praised the arrest. 'The interception of these explosives highlights the effectiveness of our border security measures and the dedication of our officers. 'We will continue to strengthen our efforts to ensure that our ports of entry are not used as conduits for illegal activities that threaten the safety and security of our nation.' ALSO READ: Police arrest 33 foreign nationals in Limpopo anti-illegal mining operations Explosive border The arrest follows a similar discovery at the border last month. A 37-year-old foreign national was arrested when the truck he was driving was found loaded with explosives. That truck had licence plates from Gauteng and was headed to that province. Police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the explosives were valued at approximately R300 000. NOW READ: Two BMA officials, foreign nationals and facilitators arrested at Beitbridge


The South African
17-05-2025
- The South African
Zimbabwean arrested smuggling explosives at Beitbridge border
Police arrested a 28-year-old Zimbabwean national at the Beitbridge Port of Entry in Limpopo on Friday, 16 May 2025, after discovering a large consignment of explosives hidden in a trailer. According to South African Police Services, police caught the man during a routine inspection at around 06:30. A police dog detected suspicious items inside two red 50 kg polyester bags. The trailer, towed by a white Toyota Quantum, contained six reels of detonating fuses, 2 505 Superpower units, 90 blasting cartridges, and 100 Carmex connector capped fuses. The Musina Explosives Unit safely neutralised the explosives and collected forensic samples for analysis. Preliminary investigations suggest the explosives were en route to Cape Town. The suspect faces charges under Section 28(1) of the Explosives Act 26 of 1956 for unlawful possession of explosives. He is expected to appear before the Musina Magistrate's Court on Monday, 19 May 2025. Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the provincial police commissioner, praised the officers involved. 'The interception of these explosives highlights the effectiveness of our border security measures. We will continue to strengthen efforts to prevent illegal activities that threaten national safety,' she said. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.