LIMPOPO – The Limpopo Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit of the Hawks has uncovered a dangerous consignment of explosives at the Beitbridge Port of Entry on Friday.

Limpopo Hawks spokesperson Col Awele Fumba said a coordinated multidisciplinary team comprising the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit, the Border Management Authority (BMA) and Musina SAPS intercepted a truck entering South Africa from Zimbabwe.

Fumba said the 42-year-old truck driver reportedly attempted to evade arrest, but the alert team acted swiftly and apprehended him.

A detailed search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a large quantity of explosives concealed inside, including 3 970 blasting cartridge tubes, 48 Cammex connector capsules and 10 reels of detonator fuse.

The estimated value of the explosives is about R769 000, while the truck used in the alleged offence was also confiscated and valued at approximately R2m. The total estimated value of the seizure is R2.7m.

The Musina local criminal record centre and the Musina explosives unit were called to the scene to process and secure the evidence.

The suspect was expected to appear before the Musina District Magistrate’s Court on Monday on a charge of possession of explosives.

Acting provincial head of the Hawks in Limpopo, Brig Lesibana Meshack Malapile, described the arrest as a warning to criminal networks.

“This is not just an arrest, it is a warning. Criminals must understand that our borders are not open doors for danger. What was intercepted here could have destroyed lives, families and communities. Every explosive taken off the streets is a life saved,” he said.