While illegal crossings are a known issue, the recent actions of undocumented persons near the Beitbridge Point of Entry demonstrate a dangerous shift toward high-stakes smuggling. This was made clear on 02 January 2026, when a routine patrol discovered that those crossing illegally were not just seeking entry, but were transporting lethal commercial explosives.
Members of 1 South African Tank Regiment, under the command of Joint Tactical Headquarters Limpopo, conducted a routine foot patrol east of Support Base near in Musina when they spotted three unidentified individuals descending from the old bridge (Beitbridge Point of Entry) from Zimbabwe into RSA.
Upon noticing the South African National Defence Force members, the suspects dropped their bags and fled into the nearby fields which helped them to back to Zimbabwe. After searching the abandoned bags, it was discovered that there was explosives which the South African Police Service Bomb Disposal identified as Superpower 90 explosives valued at R82 300-00. The explosives were handed over to Musina Police Station.
The Officer Commanding Joint Tactical Headquarters Limpopo Colonel Dikgabane Herold Tladi commended the members for the job well done.
Information by Captain Moses Semono and photos by Captain Connie Molwantoa.
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