Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
A Zimbabwean truck driver, Edward Chikukwa (48), has been jailed for an effective 15 years for unlawful possession of explosives by the Musina Regional Court, Limpopo province in South Africa.
The man was arrested on 11 March 2025 as Zimbabwean and South African security authorities fight crime at the two countries’ border.
The accused was stopped by South African police while driving a horse towing two trailers at the Beitbridge Port of Entry (PoE) weighbridge.
South Africa’s specialised police (Hawks) spokesperson for Limpopo Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa confirmed the sentence on Wednesday.
He said upon searching the trailer, they discovered bags containing 16 reels of detonating fuse explosives, 2182 Superpower 90 blasting cartridges explosives valued at over R600,000.
“Chikukwa was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of explosives. The Musina-based Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team investigated the case, and the accused was kept in police custody until his conviction and sentencing on 13 October 2025,” said Warrant Officer Mmuroa.
Hawks provincial commander for Limpopo, Major General (Adv) Gopz Govender, has commended the investigating team for a thorough job.
“This is a clear indication that law enforcement is winning the fight against transnational criminals,” he said.
The smuggling of explosives between Zimbabwe and South Africa is rife.
Indications are that the explosives are destined for illegal mining activities in the Free State, Gauteng and Limpopo provinces.
