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The explosives that were recovered.
- The Musina Regional Court has sentenced a Zimbabwean citizen to 15 years in prison for smuggling explosives into South Africa.
- Mercy Rifundo, 42, was caught on August 17, 2020 with explosives in her bag by Beitbridge Border Police.
- He made several court appearances and was in custody until his sentencing on Wednesday.
A citizen of Zimbabwe has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for smuggling explosives into South Africa.
Mercy Rifundo, 42, was sentenced by Musina Regional Court on Wednesday.
She was also fined R20,000 for violating the Immigration Act after it was discovered that she had entered the country illegally.
On August 17, 2020, Rifundo was on his way from Zimbabwe to South Africa when the taxi he was traveling in was stopped and searched by the Beitbridge border police.
When searching her bag, the police found 590 units of explosive cartridges worth R168,000 and she was subsequently arrested.
Investigation
Hawks spokesman Captain Matimba Maluleke said Rifundo’s case was turned over to them for investigation.
Maluleke added that her investigation revealed that she also did not have the required documents to be in the country.
“Rifundo made several court appearances and was in preventive detention until she was found guilty and sentenced to 15 years in direct prison without the option of a fine for smuggling explosives.”
Hawks Acting Brigade Chief in Limpopo, Angie Matlabe, praised the investigation teams and prosecution for their efforts to secure a conviction.
“We are determined to combat all types of organized crime in our country, including transnational crimes. We will not rest until our country is free from criminal networks,” said Matlabe.
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