The explosives were kept hidden in a secret compartment.
Law enforcement officers have seized explosives worth approximately R1 million at the Beitbridge Port of Entry.
Officers from the Border Management Authority (BMA), the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) discovered the explosives last week.
explosive
BMA spokesperson Mmeme Mogotsi said a truck was trying to enter South Africa with explosives.
“During a routine operation, bulk mining explosives, cap fuse Carmex and detonator fuse with an estimated combined value of approximately R1 million were intercepted at the Beitbridge Port of Entry on 10 April 2026.”
hidden box
Mogotsi said the truck was carrying a trailer that had a hidden compartment to conceal the explosives.
“On questioning the driver about the items carried in the trailer, the driver told the officers that he was carrying scrap material. However, when the officers conducted a thorough inspection, they found explosives. The driver was arrested after he tried to flee.”
Test
Mogotsi said SAPS officers were informed and a case was later registered at Musina police station.
“The explosives were handed over to the SAPS Mussina Explosives Unit, and further investigation is underway to determine the origin and destination of the explosives.”
Dr. Michael Masciapato, Commissioner of the Border Management Authority, praised the vigilance of law enforcement officers.
“I commend the team for displaying vigilance, working closely with our border management stakeholders.
“This interception is part of our daily stop-and-search operations that our teams conduct at all ports of entry to ensure that only legitimate goods are allowed into the country,” Masciapato said.
easter operations
During this time, BMA operational report highlights for the 2026 Easter period There has been a significant decline in unlawful person detentions, while an increase in arrests of facilitators has been observed.
The 10-day operation, which ran from 31 March to 9 April 2026, resulted in 4763 individuals being stopped while attempting to enter or exit South Africa illegally.
During the 2026 Easter period, BMA Passenger movements at 71 ports of entry witnessed a significant 21% increase, carrying over 1.2 million persons.
interception
Masiapato said that of the 4,763 travelers captured, approximately 3,170 were undocumented persons, 998 were undesirables, and 595 were found inadmissible to the country for various reasons, such as having fraudulent visas, failure to present yellow fever certificates, or having invalid travel documents.
According to Masciapato, this year's interception figures represent a 24% decrease compared to the 6,253 recorded during the 2025 Easter period.
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