A 39-year-old Malawian national has been remanded in custody after appearing in court on charges of possessing explosives discovered at the Beitbridge Border Post.

Gondwe Samson Tonne appeared before the Musina Magistrate’s Court on 29 June, a day after his arrest whilst entering South Africa from Malawi.

Members of the Border Management Authority (BMA) stopped and searched the bus Tonne was driving on 28 June. During the inspection, officials examined two bags of rice and allegedly discovered four reels of detonating cord explosives concealed inside.

The explosives have an estimated street value of R100 000.

The case was postponed to 8 July for profiling purposes. He remains in custody.

Mashudu Malabi, regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Limpopo, said the authority commends the BMA for its vigilance at the country’s ports of entry.

“The successful detection of the explosives highlights the importance of coordinated law enforcement efforts in preventing the unlawful movement of dangerous goods across South Africa’s borders,” Malabi said.

The NPA said it remains committed to prosecuting offences involving the unlawful possession, transportation and distribution of explosives.

Detonating cord is a high-speed explosive device commonly used in commercial blasting operations and mining. The unauthorised possession of such materials poses significant safety and security risks.

ALSO READ: Man arrested with explosives near Beitbridge Border Post