A Zimbabwean man was on Friday jailed for an effective 15 years at a Musina magistrate court in South Africa for smuggling explosives worth R95 000 into the neighbouring country.
Brighton Chuma (27) was arrested on 17 December 2020 by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) at the Beitbridge Border Post while driving a Toyota Hilux. Hawks spokesperson for Limpopo Captain Matimba Maluleke said:
The man was travelling from Zimbabwe to South Africa in a Toyota Hilux double cab when he was stopped and searched at the Beitbridge Port of Entry by the police.
Upon searching the vehicle, 32 blasting cartridges of explosives to the value of R95 000 were found hidden in the loading portion covered with packed bags and the accused was subsequently arrested.
Capt Maluleke said the Zimbabwean’s case was referred to the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team which successfully opposed Brighton’s bail application during the duration of his trial.
Chuma will serve an effective 15 years direct imprisonment with no option of a fine, Capt Maluleke said.