A ZIMBABWEAN man has been arrested in Nelspruit, South Africa, for possession of an assortment of explosives.
Of late, explosives from Zimbabwe have been used by robbers in blasting bank automated teller machines (ATMs) in the neighbouring country.
The yet-to-be named suspect was caught on the streets following an intelligence-driven operation and he later led police to recover 10 superpower blasting cartridges, 10 green cap fuses and 50-metres detonating cords.
In a statement on Sunday, South African Police Services spokesperson for Mpumalanga Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said investigations to establish if the suspect was part of gangs bombing ATMs were underway.
“Intelligence-driven information led to the arrest of an undocumented foreign national in possession of explosives in Sabie on Thursday April 6, 2023 at about 2000hours.
“Mpumalanga Tactical Response Team and Mpumalanga Tracking Team operationalised the information gathered which resulted in the big fish nabbed.
“The suspect, a 31-year-old Zimbabwean national was tracked down and apprehended while walking on the street. He was found in possession of 10 superpower blasting cartridges, 10 green cap fuses and a 50-metre detonating cord.”
Mohlala said the suspect was arrested for unlawful possession of explosives, adding that further investigations would be conducted to establish if the suspect is linked to the ATM bombing syndicate wreaking havoc in the province.
- Zim headed for a political dead heat in 2023
- Record breaker Mpofu revisits difficult upbringing
- Tendo Electronics eyes Africa after TelOne deal
- Record breaker Mpofu revisits difficult upbringing
Keep Reading
“The Department of Home Affairs will also be brought on board and police cannot rule out that the contravention of Immigration Act charge could be added. The suspect is expected to appear in Sabie Magistrate Court on Tuesday April 11, 2023,” he said.
