adminThupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
Three people have been arrested in connection with an assortment of explosives intercepted at Beitbridge Border Post on Tuesday night.
The trio has been identified as Kimberly Thandekile Samvura of Kambuzuma, Harare; Shivvon Mdzimbasekwa of Ngundu; and Perseverance Madzitire of Beitbridge.
A South Africa-bound Mulaudzi Bus, registration number DZX-776L, was carrying the explosives whose value is yet to be ascertained.
The Herald understands the explosives are used mainly for illegal mining activities in Gauteng and Free State provinces in South Africa.
An official from the Ferret team, composed of Zimra, police, immigration and other security agents, said the suspects were seen loading two bags containing the contraband after customs officials were done with their routine searches.
“Our officers reacted swiftly and intercepted the bus before leaving for South Africa,” said the official. “A search was conducted leading to the recovery of 121 Emmex 70 and 200 safety fuse detonators.”
The suspects have since been handed over to the police for further investigations.
Police spokesperson for Matabeleland South Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele could not be reached for comment at the time of publication.
Officer Commanding Beitbridge District Chief Superintendent Tichaona Nyongo told members of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Defence, Security and Home Affairs recently during a tour of the border that it was important for the country to have top-notch technology at the border to minimise smuggling, especially of minerals and other tiny, but valuable goods.
Online Reporter