South Africa has sentenced a Zimbabwean woman to 15 years after she was convicted of smuggling explosives worth R168 000 into South Africa.
The woman, Mercy Rifundo, was arrested on August 17 last year by South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) in Limpopo soon after entering into Zimbabwe through Beitbridge Border Post.
She was also fined R20 000 for violating South Africa’s immigration laws, of travelling without any valid documents.
The Hawks have since the beginning of the Covid-19 induced lockdown been cracking down on drug peddlers, smugglers, and fraudsters around Limpopo province.
Over six people, mostly Zimbabweans, were jailed around Limpopo for smuggling explosives. Hawks spokesperson for Limpopo province, Captain Matimba Maluleke said Rifundo was busted while carrying 590 units of blasting cartridges.
The Hawks acting Provincial Head for Limpopo, Brigadier Angie Matlabe commended the investigation and prosecution teams for their efforts.
Recently, two Zimbabwean men were also jailed for an effective 15 years by the Musina Regional Court for smuggling explosives worth R470 000 into South Africa.
The smuggling of explosives into South Africa through the Beitbridge border has become a perennial headache for border authorities.
It is understood that these explosives are used for ATM bombings or illegal mining activities in the neighbouring country.
Over 20 people have been arrested for possessing explosives along the Beitbridge border in the last 24 months.
More: ZTN