Hawks secure 15-year sentence for truck driver caught smuggling explosives at Beitbridge
The Hawks in Limpopo have welcomed the conviction and sentencing of a 48-year-old Zimbabwean national, Edward Chikukwa, who was found guilty of unlawful possession of explosives.
Chikukwa was sentenced by the Musina Regional Court on Monday to 15 years of direct imprisonment after being arrested earlier this year.
Hawks provincial spokesperson in Limpopo, Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa, said the case stemmed from an incident on 11 March 2025, when police stopped a horse-and-two-trailers truck at the Beitbridge port of entry weighbridge.
“During a routine search of the trailer, officers discovered bags containing 16 reels of detonating fuse explosives and 2,182 Superpower 90 blasting cartridges with an estimated value of more than R600,000,” Mmuroa said.
He said Chikukwa was immediately arrested and charged with unlawful possession of explosives.
“The Hawks’ serious organised crime investigation team in Musina took over the matter and ensured that the accused remained in custody until the finalisation of the case,” Mmuroa added.
Meanwhile, provincial head of the Hawks in Limpopo, Major General Gopz Govender, praised the investigating team for their commitment.
“This is a clear indication that law enforcement is winning the fight against transnational criminals,” said Govender.
Mmuroa said the conviction demonstrated the effectiveness of ongoing border-security operations.
“The Beitbridge port of entry remains a critical point in combating the smuggling of contraband and explosives used in illegal mining and cross-border crimes,” he said.
Last month, IOL reported that trucks moving fresh goods such as flowers and fruit are used to transport weapons smuggled from Namibia to the Western Cape, where they are supplied to criminal networks.
These include pistols and AK-47 rifles, according to a new report from the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime (GI-TOC).
Criminals take advantage because these products have a short shelf life and need to be moved quickly.
The Western Cape, particularly areas such as the Cape Flats, is considered highly dangerous due to ongoing gang-related violence, the widespread proliferation of illegal firearms, and high rates of shootings and stabbings.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL News