The Boschfontein Regional Court in Mpumalanga has handed a 10-year sentence to a Mozambican national convicted of importing a bomb into South Africa.
Antonio Charles Mugabe, aged 26, was sentenced on Monday after he pleaded guilty to all charges. He was charged with possession of an explosive device, transportation of an explosive device and importation of an explosive device into South Africa.
According to the police, Mugabe was stopped at the Lebombo Port of Entry in Komatipoort, Mpumalanga during a joint border security operation with SAPS and the South African Revenue Service (SARS), screening travellers from Mozambique, on August 23 .
While Mugabe’s bags were being scanned, officials noticed a suspicious object concealed inside. The travel bag was then searched and officials found a 60mm mortar. Police said the military-grade explosive posed a serious threat to public safety.
Following Mugabe’s arrest, the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Nelspruit took over the case for further investigation.
Mpumalanga Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi said that during investigation Mugabe revealed that he was working alone and had brought the bomb into South Africa with hopes of finding a buyer and making a sale.
Hawks send stern warning to criminals
The Head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, Major-General Nico Gerber, praised the co-ordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies for intercepting the bomb before it reached South African communities. He said the sentence was a victory for justice and a warning for criminals who plan to use South Africa’s ports to smuggle explosives and dangerous weapons.
“Those who engage in the illegal movement of explosives must know that the Hawks, together with our law enforcement and prosecution partners, will relentlessly pursue them, dismantle their criminal activities and ensure that they face the full might of the law,” said Gerber. He said border security would continue to be a high priority for the Hawks.
