LIMPOPO – A Zimbabwean national, 42-year-old Mercy Rifundo, appeared in the Musina Regional Court yesterday, facing charges of contravening the Immigration Act and smuggling explosives.
Rifundo was arrested on 17 August 2020, when the taxi she was travelling in was stopped by Beitbridge Border Post police officials. “She was en route from Zimbabwe to South Africa and upon searching her bag, police found 590 units of blasting cartridges to the value of R168 000,” reads a statement by Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Spokesperson, Capt Matimba Maluleke.
At the time of her arrest, Police Spokesperson Brig Motlafela Mojapelo said she initially told police that the bags were filled with tins of floor polish, which she was taking to Johannesburg.
Also read: Woman busted for smuggling explosives into SA
The woman was arrested and the case was transferred to the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit. “Further investigation revealed that the accused did not have the required documents to be in the country as well,” he added.
Rifundo made several court appearances and was remanded in custody until she was found guilty. “She was sentenced to 15 years’ direct imprisonment without an option of a fine for smuggling explosives. She was also found guilty for contravening the Immigration Act and fined R20 000,” he concluded.
The Acting Provincial Head, Brig Angie Matlabe, commended the investigation and prosecution teams for their efforts. “We are determined to fight all types of organised crime in our country including transnational crimes. We will not rest until our country is freed from criminal networks,” Matlabe added.
Read more: Woman sentenced for smuggling explosives worth R1,2m
