Two Zimbabwean nationals arrested with explosives in Barberton
Police suspect the men may be involved in illegal mining activities in the area.
Two Zimbabwean nationals were arrested in Barberton on September 28 for possession of explosives.
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Fundiswa Maphanga, the arrest followed an intelligence-driven operation conducted at a guest house in New Village, Barberton. In one of the rooms, police discovered luggage containing a large quantity of explosives.
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The men were unable to provide a valid explanation and were immediately apprehended.
“Members of the explosives unit responded to the scene and rendered it safe. The exhibits were secured for forensic analysis. Preliminary investigations suggest the explosives may have been intended for use in illegal mining activities,” Maphanga said.
She added that the suspects, aged 29 and 33, are expected to appear in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court soon on charges relating to contraventions of Section 6(1) and Section 28(1) of the Explosives Act, Act 26 of 1956.
