Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
A 48-YEAR-OLD Zimbabwean man, Edward Chikukwa, who was arrested on Monday for smuggling explosives into South Africa via the Beitbridge Border Post, was remanded in police custody on Wednesday until 19 March by the Musina Magistrate’s Court.
Chikukwa was caught with a cache of explosives worth at least R600 000 at the Beitbridge Port of Entry (PoE).
The Beitbridge Border Post serves as a key link between South Africa and several neighbouring countries, including Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Angola, Botswana, and Zimbabwe.
In a statement, South Africa’s specialised police unit, the Hawks, said: “Edward Chikukwa (48) appeared in the Musina Magistrate’s Court today (Wednesday, 12 March 2025), where he was remanded into police custody. The case was postponed to 19 March for profiling.”
According to reports, Chikukwa was stopped by police while driving a horse-and-trailer truck travelling from Zimbabwe to South Africa at the PoE weighbridge.
When asked to open the trailer for a search, Chikukwa allegedly informed the police that he did not have the keys.
The Hawks stated that the police forcibly opened the trailer and conducted a search, leading to the discovery of bags containing items suspected to be explosives.
“Police then summoned Musina-based bomb technicians, the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit, and the Local Criminal Record Centre to the scene for assistance. Upon their arrival, the truck was thoroughly searched,” said the Hawks.
During the search, the team found 16 reels of detonating fuse explosives and 2 182 Superpower 90 blasting cartridge explosives. The suspect was subsequently arrested and is expected to make his first court appearance at the Musina Magistrate’s Court soon.
