Zimbabwean truck driver jailed for 16 years for smuggling of explosives into SA
A Zimbabwean national has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for illegally smuggling explosives into South Africa. He received a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison with an additional year for absconding.
Prosper Takunda Henry Mumbure (34), a Zimbabwean national, was sentenced in Musina Regional Court on Thursday, May 18, after being found guilty of smuggling explosives into South Africa. Mumbure had been apprehended on 17 November 2022 at the Beitbridge border crossing between South Africa and Zimbabwe. He was released on bail of R5,000 in January, but failed to appear at his next court date on 6 February 2023.
A warrant of arrest was issued, and Mumbure was rearrested 4 April 2023 by a Directorate of Priority Crimes Investigation unit.
The National Prosecuting Authority’s Limpopo spokesperson, Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, says the accused subsequently pleaded guilty. Mumbure admitted in court that on 17 November 2022, he had been driving the truck carrying the explosives at the Beitbridge port of entry into South Africa from Zimbabwe.
A SAPS media release reads: “SARS and police officials inspected the truck and discovered that it had many explosives.” They found 17 reels of detonating fuse, 1,250 connector-capped fuses, and 2,569 blasting cartridges marked solar explosives hidden in the truck.
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