A 48-year-old foreign national was arrested at the Beitbridge border post in the early hours of Tuesday morning for allegedly smuggling explosives valued at approximately R618 200.

According to an article published by Polokwane Review, Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba says officers conducting routine inspections at the south gate stopped a white MAN truck with Gauteng registration plates.

“Upon searching the vehicle, officers requested the driver to open the side storage compartment of the trailer, however, he claimed he did not have the keys, raising suspicion,” Ledwaba says.

The driver was then instructed to move the truck to a secure inspection area where officers managed to gain access to the locked storage compartment.

Inside, they discovered 11 red sacks containing cylindrical items resembling polony, labelled ‘Super Power’ in a gel-like substance. This is a known term linked to explosives.

Ledwaba says the Bomb Disposal Unit was called to the scene and confirmed the items were explosives.

A detailed inspection revealed the cargo consisted of 2 118 cartridges along with 16 reels of 250m detonator cable.

“The suspect was immediately arrested after failing to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the origin of the explosives. Both the truck and the illicit cargo were seized,” he says.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Musina Magistrate’s Court soon, facing charges related to smuggling of explosives.

Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe commended the officers involved, stating: “Cross-border crime remains a priority, and our members are always on high alert to ensure those responsible face the full might of the law.”

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