Border Management Authority guards working with the police and officials from the South African Revenue Service have seized R1 million worth of explosives that smugglers attempted to bring south across the Beitbridge border with Zimbabwe.
BMA commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, commended the vigilance of the team at the port of entry, which led to the interception of a truck carrying bulk mining explosives as well as capped and detonator fuse on Friday.
“The truck was carrying a trailer with a concealed compartment used to hide the explosives. Upon questioning the driver about goods carried in the trailer, the driver informed officers that he was carrying scrap material,” the BMA said.
“However, when officials conducted a thorough inspection they discovered the explosives. The driver was arrested after he attempted to flee.”
An SA Police Service (Saps) team was alerted and a case was opened at Musina Police Station. The explosives were handed over to Saps’ Musina Explosives Unit and further investigations to determine the origin and destination of the explosives are being conducted.
“I commend the team for working together with our border management stakeholders, for displaying vigilance. This interception is part of our daily stop-and-search operations that our teams carry out at all our ports of entry to ensure only legitimate goods are allowed into the country,” said Masiapato.
The BMA has urged the public to report suspicious activities to 0801 229 019 or on its website, www.bma.gov.za
