While illegal border crossings remain a persistent challenge, a recent incident near the Beitbridge Point of Entry has highlighted a more dangerous trend involving high-risk smuggling operations. This shift was exposed on 02 January 2026 when a routine patrol uncovered the illicit transport of commercial explosives across the South Africa–Zimbabwe border.
Members of 1 South African Tank Regiment operating under the command of Joint Tactical Headquarters Limpopo were conducting a routine foot patrol east of Support Base near Musina when they observed three unidentified individuals descending from the old bridge at the Beitbridge Point of Entry into the Republic of South Africa.
Upon noticing the presence of South African National Defence Force members the suspects abandoned their bags and fled into nearby fields before retreating back toward Zimbabwe. A subsequent search of the discarded bags revealed the presence of commercial explosives.
The South African Police Service Bomb Disposal Unit later identified the seized material as Superpower 90 explosives with an estimated value of R82 300-00. The explosives were safely secured and handed over to Musina Police Station for further investigation.
The Officer Commanding Joint Tactical Headquarters Limpopo Colonel Dikgabane Herold Tladi commended the soldiers involved for their vigilance and professionalism praising them for a job well done in preventing potentially serious security consequences.
The incident underscores the critical role played by SANDF border safeguarding operations in countering increasingly sophisticated and dangerous cross-border criminal activities and highlights the ongoing need for heightened vigilance along South Africa’s land borders.
Pictures by SANDF
