Cross border transporting agents well known as "omalayitsha" who were caught attempting to smuggle bullets into Zimbabwe through Beitbridge border post were put on trial yesterday.
The four men were found in possession of bullets worth R42,855.
Njabulo Nxumalo (31) of Mpopoma suburb, Nkosana Bhekinkosi Makuyana (30), Mthabisi Ncube (23) and Francis Ncube (32) all of Pumula suburb were arrested while travelling in a South African registered Toyota Quantum as they were about to leave the border post.
It is understood the ammunition belonged to a Mr Clive Connelly of Tongogara Street in Bulawayo.
The four, who are being represented by Zibusiso Ncube of Ncube and Partners, had their bail application dismissed by Beitbridge resident magistrate, Gloria Takundwa, on the basis that the lower court had no jurisdiction to decide on bail in such matters.
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| Cross Borders Caught Smuggling Bullets On Trial |
She further remanded the four in custody to July 20.
On June 23, the four arrived in the country from South Africa through Beitbridge border post using a Toyota Quantum (SA Reg CF52LRGP).
While at the border post, the suspects allegedly went through immigration formalities and later declared to Zimra that they were carrying bicycle spares.
They ran out of luck when alert security officials stopped them as they made their way out of the border post area.
Several boxes containing an assortment of bullet cartridges weighing 130 kg which were concealed under other goods were discovered after a search.
The contraband had a cumulative value of R42, 855 and the State stood to lose $1,437.74 in revenue.
The gang was subsequently arrested.
The smuggling of firearms from South Africa into the country has of late become rampant.
Recently, a 48-year-old businessman from Ruwa was fined $2,000 for smuggling 2,417 bullets from South Africa into the country through Beitbridge border post. - Chronicle
