Zim man jailed 15 years for smuggling explosives into SA

ZTN Reporter

A Zimbabwean man (27) was today (Friday) jailed for an effective 15 years by a Musina magistrates court under Limpopo province, for smuggling contraband of explosives worth R95 000 into South Africa.

Brighton Chuma was recently arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) on 17 December last year at Beitbridge Border Post while driving a Toyota Hilux vehicle.

Hawks spokesperson for Limpopo, Captain Matimba Maluleke said the explosives were found hidden in the truck and packed in bags.

“The man was traveling from Zimbabwe to South Africa in a Toyota Hilux double cab when he was stopped and searched at Beitbridge Port of Entry by the police.

“Upon searching the vehicle, 32 blasting cartridges of explosives to the value of R 95 000-00 were found hidden in the loading portion covered with packed bags and the accused was subsequently arrested,” said Capt Maluleke.

He said the case was referred to the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team which
successfully opposed Brighton’s bail bid during his trial until his fate was sealed recently.

“The Court has effectively condemned him to an effective 15 years direct imprisonment with no
option of a fine.”