Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
SOUTH African soldiers on routine patrol along the Limpopo River intercepted explosives valued at more than R82 000 that were being smuggled into South Africa from Zimbabwe, after three suspects fled the scene upon spotting the army personnel.
The nationality of the suspects could not immediately be established. However, authorities believe syndicates involving South Africans and foreign nationals — including migrants from Lesotho, Mozambique, Pakistan and Zimbabwe — often smuggle explosives for use in illegal mining activities in Gauteng and Free State provinces.
In a statement, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) said the interception was made on Friday during routine border patrols.
“Members of 1 South African Tank Regiment, under the command of Joint Tactical Headquarters Limpopo, conducted a routine foot patrol east of Support Base near Musina when they spotted three unidentified individuals descending from the old bridge at the Beitbridge Port of Entry from Zimbabwe into the Republic of South Africa,” said the SANDF.
“Upon noticing the South African National Defence Force members, the suspects dropped their bags and fled into the nearby fields, which assisted them to escape back into Zimbabwe.
“After searching the abandoned bags, it was discovered that they contained explosives which the South African Police Service Bomb Disposal Unit identified as Superpower 90 explosives, valued at R82 300. The explosives were handed over to Musina Police Station.”
The interception comes amid growing concern over the smuggling of explosives linked to illegal mining activities across South Africa.
A few days ago, former Zimbabwean Member of Parliament and opposition figure Job Sikhala and his uncle Alexander Thema (78) were arrested in Gauteng Province after they were allegedly found in possession of explosives loaded in their Ford Fiesta.
They were arrested on November 6 between Pretoria and Johannesburg and were later granted R10 000 bail each by the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court, pending trial.
The pair face charges of possession of explosives and were remanded to February 3 for a possible trial.
