A 53-year-old foreign national is set to appear in the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing charges related to the alleged possession of explosives. The arrest occurred at the Beitbridge Port of Entry on January 17, 2025, when the man was detained by the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks.
According to Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa, the arrest followed a routine search of a bus that had traveled from Zimbabwe to South Africa. Police officers stopped the bus for inspection, and during their search, they discovered an unusual piece of luggage placed on top of the vehicle’s fuel tank. Upon closer inspection, the contents of the bag were revealed to be explosives.
The discovery prompted an immediate response from Musina-based bomb technicians, who are part of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team. The technicians examined the luggage, which contained three reels of detonating fuse—each 350 meters long—valued at over R105,000. Additionally, a passport was found inside the bag, which ultimately helped authorities identify the suspect.
The man was promptly arrested based on information from his passport, and he now faces serious charges in connection with the explosives. The authorities are continuing their investigation into the matter, and the suspect will appear in court to answer for his alleged crimes.
Major General (Adv) Gopz Govender, the Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Limpopo, commended the efforts of the law enforcement team involved. “This is a clear indication that law enforcement is winning the fight against transnational criminals,” Major General Govender stated, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to curbing illicit activities crossing borders. The arrest highlights the diligent work of South African authorities in intercepting dangerous contraband before it can cause harm.
