Mozambique: Mozambican Jailed for 10 Years After Importing a Bomb Into South Africa

What the report says

A South African regional court in Mpumalanga has sentenced a Mozambican national to 10 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to charges linked to bringing an explosive device into South Africa. The case was heard by the Boschfontein Regional Court, according to the report distributed by AllAfrica from Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique (AIM).

The man, identified as 26-year-old Antonio Charles Mugabe, faced charges of possession, transport and importation of an explosive device. The article says police stopped him at the Lebombo Port of Entry in Komatipoort on August 23 during a joint border security operation involving South African Police Service officers and the South African Revenue Service, which was screening travellers from Mozambique.

Officials allegedly found a suspicious item in his luggage during scanning and later discovered a 60mm mortar. Police described it as a military-grade explosive and said it posed a serious public safety risk. After his arrest, the Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit in Nelspruit took over the investigation.

The report also cites a police account saying Mugabe told investigators he acted alone and intended to sell the device after bringing it into South Africa. The case underscores border security concerns at a crossing that handles regular travel and trade between Mozambique and South Africa.