2 Congolese Nationals Arrested in Musina With 1,312 Blasting Cartridges Worth R131,200

• SAPS officers stopped a Gauteng-registered Suzuki in Nancefield, Musina, after acting on intelligence about suspected explosives on board
• A search of the vehicle uncovered a 50kg pink sack containing 1,312 blasting cartridges, which specialists from the Bomb Technician Unit confirmed
• Both suspects face charges of unlawful possession of explosives and are set to appear in court on Monday, 28 September 2026

LIMPOPO — Two Congolese nationals, aged 23 and 32, were arrested in Nancefield, Musina, on Thursday, 24 September 2026, after police found more than a thousand blasting cartridges concealed in their vehicle.

Acting on intelligence that a Gauteng-registered brown Suzuki was transporting suspected explosives, SAPS officers intercepted the vehicle at approximately 09:55. A search of the car produced a 50kg pink sack containing 1,312 blasting cartridges, estimated to be worth around R131,200.

Bomb unit called to verify the find

Specialists from the Bomb Technician Unit and the Musina Local Criminal Record Centre attended the scene to confirm the nature of the materials. Both the driver and the passenger were taken into custody and now face charges of unlawful possession of explosives. The case has since been transferred to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, for further inquiry.

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The two suspects are scheduled to appear before the Musina Magistrate's Court on Monday, 28 September 2026.

Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers commended officers for their swift action and reiterated that authorities would continue to enforce strict measures against the illegal possession and movement of dangerous materials.

South Africans react online

The arrest drew sharp responses on SAPS social media, with users raising concerns about border security and foreign nationals operating within the country.

@Team_kin wrote:

"Note that according to the family of the driver those explosives were bought in South Africa to be used in DRC mining operations. However, the manner in which it was bought and is being taken outside of South Africa is what needs to be addressed."

@mbuyu072 said:

"These explosives are smuggled through porous borders..."

@DxGuySA wrote:

"At what point do our government leaders wake up to the reality that decades of uncontrolled immigration and porous borders have not only created an immigration crisis but a crime crisis as well?"

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@Mphoza_Pal commented:

"In countries which are very serious, this is regarded as terrorism and a national security concern. Then SANDF intelligence will be called and the suspects handed over and SANDF operatives will know what to do."

The arrest comes amid heightened public sensitivity around immigration and border management, following nationwide anti-immigration protests earlier in the year and an ongoing national conversation about undocumented foreign nationals in South Africa.

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More on crime in South Africa

• Briefly News recently reported on a Hawks officer arrested over alleged kidnappings and extortion in Gqeberha, leaving South Africans frustrated.
• A Northern Cape father received a life sentence after DNA evidence linked him to his daughter's baby in a disturbing case that only came to light years later.
• An 18-year-old woman was arrested after falsely accusing a police officer of rape, leaving South Africans fuming.

Source: Briefly News