Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura and Sikhumbuzo Moyo Sunday News Reporters
AN Inter Africa driver and conductor are in hot soup for allegedly conniving with a member of the public to transport explosives in a public transport vehicle.
Giant Mudimba (49) of Flat 6 Simon Court, Parirenyatwa Street, Takunda Dzichauya (24) of Duma, Nyika, Bikita, employed by Inter Africa as a conductor, and Brighton Michael Chimbidzikai (40) of Mbundane suburb, employed by Inter Africa as a bus driver, appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Mr Jeconia Prince Ncube facing a charge of carrying or transporting explosives in a public transport vehicle.
Mudimba pleaded guilty to the charge and was remanded in custody to tomorrow for sentence.
Dzichauya and Chimbidzikai pleaded not guilty to the offence, stating that they did not know that they were carrying explosives. They were each granted US$30 bail and remanded to 27 May for trial.
Prosecutor Mr Tafara Dzimbanhete told the court that on an unknown date, Mudimba acquired 123 emulites and 100 capped fuses.
He said on 13 May at about 12pm, Mudimba went to Lobengula Street between 12th and 13th Avenue in Bulawayo, where Inter Africa buses load passengers and goods destined for Mphoengs in Mangwe District.
The court heard that Mudimba, Dzichauya and Chimbidzikai connived and loaded 123 emulites and 100 capped fuses into an Inter Africa bus, registration number AGL 6241, where Chimbidzikai was the driver and Dzichauya the conductor.
Mudimba remained in Bulawayo while Dzichauya and Chimbidzikai departed with the bus.
The bus was intercepted at a security roadblock where a search was conducted by the police, leading to the recovery of 123 emulites and 100 capped fuses stashed in a brown sack, leading to the arrest of Dzichauya and Chimbidzikai.
Upon arrest, Dzichauya and Chimbidzikai indicated that Mudimba was the owner of the explosives, leading to his arrest.
The total value of the explosives is US$300.
Meanwhile, ZRP national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi has warned that the transportation of explosives and hazardous substances in public service vehicles poses a serious threat to public safety, passengers, road users and communities.
He warned transport operators, including bus crews, against carrying explosives, detonators, cyanide and other hazardous substances without lawful authority and the required safety compliance measures.
“Offenders will be arrested and prosecuted without fear or favour,” said Comm Nyathi.
The police spokesperson further warned mining companies, suppliers and chemical companies against selling explosives, detonators, cyanide and related hazardous substances to individuals or entities without valid permits, licences and verification documents as required by law.
Security organs have been on a nationwide operation targeting the illegal transportation of explosives and hazardous substances after a Toyota Quantum vehicle exploded along the Bulawayo-Esigodini Road last month, killing all the people onboard.
derick.khumalo