explosives Beitbridge

[FILE] A large quantity of Viper Booster explosives were discovered in an abandoned house. Photo: SAPS.

Man who brought explosives into SA sentenced to 15 years imprisonment

Motsi Wilfred Nhamo was nabbed at the Beitbridge Border Post in May 2021 after the Hawks received a tip-off about someone smuggling explosives.

explosives Beitbridge

[FILE] A large quantity of Viper Booster explosives were discovered in an abandoned house. Photo: SAPS.

A 44-year-old man, Motsi Wilfred Nhamo, was sentenced to 15 years of direct imprisonment for smuggling explosives by the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 17 May.

MAN SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS IMPRISONMENT

Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) spokesperson Captain Matimba Maluleke said Nhamo was arrested on 30 May 2021 after the Directorate received a tip-off about a person smuggling explosives into the country from Zimbabwe.

“The Hawks members assisted by Tactical Response Team and Musina VISPOL members conducted an undercover operation,” said Maluleke.

A man matching the description given to the Hawks was spotted carrying luggage at the Beitbridge Port of Entry.

The man was stopped and searched and officers found detonators worth R110 000 in his possession.

Nhamo was arrested and kept in custody until his conviction and sentencing in the Limpopo court on Tuesday.

“Although serious and violent crimes are continuing to be recorded in the province, but the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation members are ensuring that all those who are involved are arrested and locked away for a very long time,” said the Hawks spokesperson.

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