Police at the Beitbridge Port of Entry have intercepted explosives valued at R300,000 in a routine inspection, arresting a foreign national who was transporting materials commonly used in ATM bombings and cash-in-transit heists. Officials confirm the truck was heading to Gauteng Province.
Image: SAPS
Police nabbed a truck filled with illegal explosives at the Beitbridge Port of Entry and arrested a male foreign national.
Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba stated that the arrest occurred during a routine inspection at the South Gate, where officers stopped a white truck with Gauteng registration plates. Upon inspection, they discovered explosives valued at R300 000 on board.
“During the search, officers discovered two boxes containing illegal explosives valued at approximately R300 000. Preliminary investigations revealed that the vehicle was en route to Gauteng Province.”
The 37-year-old foreign suspect was immediately arrested, and the vehicle was confiscated.
Officials confirm the truck with explosives was heading to Gauteng.
Image: Supplied
Police at the Beitbridge Port of Entry have intercepted explosives valued at R300,000 in a routine inspection, arresting a foreign national who was transporting materials commonly used in ATM bombings and cash-in-transit heists. Officials confirm the truck was heading to Gauteng Province. Police at the Beitbridge Port of Entry have intercepted explosives valued at R300,000 in a routine inspection, arresting a foreign national who was transporting materials commonly used in ATM bombings and cash-in-transit heists. Officials confirm the truck was heading to Gauteng Province.
Image: Supplied
He added that the suspect is expected to make an appearance in the Musina Magistrate’s Court soon, where he will face charges related to the possession of illegal explosives.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe commended the police officers for their vigilance and swift action.
"The interception of these explosives is a significant achievement in our ongoing efforts to combat crime and protect our communities. We will continue to strengthen security measures at all entry points to prevent such illegal activities," said Lieutenant General Hadebe.
Mashaba further revealed that the explosives discovered on the truck are typically used in devastating ATM bombings, high-stakes cash-in-transit heists, and dangerous illegal mining operations.
Previously, The Star reported that a group of around 30 suspects allegedly bombed five FNB ATMs at Jubilee Mall in Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria. The suspects also broke into a shop and detonated explosives on a drop safe during the heist.
The suspects fled the scene, prompting a fierce shootout with police and private security officers. During the exchange of gunfire, a security officer was shot and wounded.
No arrests have been made so far, and authorities are still working to determine the exact amount of money stolen during the daring heist.
In his State of the Province Address (SOPA), Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi unveiled an ambitious strategy to combat crime through advanced technology and strengthened private partnerships. He emphasised that the province could no longer rely on outdated methods, stating that modern challenges demand modern solutions.
“Together with the private sector, we have identified and profiled 422 kingpins that are causing the worst crimes in our province. These 442 kingpins are responsible for cash-in-transits, kidnapping, hijackings, rented murder, ATM bombings, blue-light gangs and business robberies. Instead of waiting for them to commit crimes, we have put full-time surveillance around them,” he had said.
The Star
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