Zimbabwean national truck driver sentenced to 15 years direct imprisonment

Editor: Mulamuleli Tshitangano 

Statement 
Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (HAWKS) 
 

LIMPOPO – Josephat Bayayi (43) was convicted and sentenced to 15 years’ direct imprisonment for smuggling of explosives.     

In July 2023, the South African Revenue Services (SARS) personnel were busy scanning the vehicles at Beitbridge Port of Entry when they noticed suspicious items that were loaded in a red Iveco truck with a trailer. The truck was coming from Zimbabwe.

The Beitbridge Port of Entry based police, Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) and Bomb Technicians were summoned to the scene. The truck was searched and the team confiscated 14 reels of detonating fuses, 747 superpower, 90 blasting cartridges and 875 carmex connector capped fuses valued at R45 6850.00.

The driver was immediately placed under arrest for smuggling of explosives. The case was opened and the docked was later transferred to the Musina based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation for further handling.

During the investigation, it was revealed that the explosives were coming from Zimbabwe and destined for Johannesburg in Gauteng Province.

Through the meritorious efforts of the investigating officer, the accused was denied bail and kept in custody until he was convicted and sentenced by the Musina Regional Court on, Tuesday 22 August 2023.

SOURCE :
Lieutenant Colonel Matimba Maluleke
071 481 3488

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