LIMPOPO – A 42-year-old Zimbabwean national has been sentenced to an effective 20 years’ imprisonment for the unlawful possession of explosives intercepted at the Beitbridge Port of Entry.

The Limpopo Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as the Hawks, welcomed the sentence imposed on Edgar Maroto following his conviction.

Maroto was arrested on April 10 after authorities intercepted a truck at the Beitbridge Port of Entry. Members of the Border Management Authority noticed a SARS customs officer pursuing the truck driver and assisted in stopping and apprehending him.

A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered a large consignment of explosives. The Musina Local Criminal Record Centre documented the scene, while the Musina Explosives Unit processed the evidence.

Police seized 3 970 blasting cartridge tubes, 48 cammex connector capsules and 10 reels of detonator fuse, with an estimated value of R400 000.

Following an investigation, Maroto was convicted and sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for unlawful possession of explosives and 10 years for contravening the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA).

The court ordered that five years of the POCA sentence run concurrently with the 15-year sentence, resulting in an effective prison term of 20 years.

Provincial Hawks head Major General Gopz Govender commended the officials involved in the arrest and investigation.

“This sentence sends a clear message that the illegal movement and possession of explosives will be met with the full might of the law. We remain committed to securing our ports of entry against threats to public safety,” said Govender.