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Zimbabweans arrested in South Africa over R500,000 mbanje haul
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South African police have arrested two Zimbabwean nationals in Thabazimbi, Limpopo Province, after intercepting a truck carrying a consignment of mbanje valued at nearly R500,000. The arrests, facilitated by local farmers from Koedoeskop, took place on Thursday at around 10 AM.
Limpopo police spokesperson, Colonel Malasela Ledwaba, confirmed the arrests to Sunday News, stating that the suspects, aged 25 and 39, were apprehended while traveling in a commercial truck. Acting on intelligence, police launched an operation that successfully identified and stopped the vehicle, a white Scania truck with two trailers.
Upon conducting a thorough search, officers discovered 106 small bags, 10 larger bags, and two refuse bags filled with loose dagga, collectively weighing approximately 148.5kg. The vehicle and its trailers were seized as part of the investigation. Col Ledwaba said the two suspects will soon appear in a local magistrate's court, where they face charges related to possession and trafficking of dagga. Authorities are continuing investigations into the case.
Recent trends indicate a surge in drug smuggling, with mbanje (skunk) being transported from South Africa into Zimbabwe via the Limpopo River or through cross-border transporters, commonly known as omalayitsha. These drugs are believed to be destined for high-density suburbs in Bulawayo and Harare, fueling the country's growing substance abuse crisis.
In a related case, a 33-year-old woman from Mbare, Harare, was sentenced to five years in prison by a Beitbridge magistrate after being caught smuggling 6.3kg of mbanje from South Africa. Brenda Chipfunde was arrested on February 7, 2025, while attempting to hitch a ride to Harare.
Prosecutor Tawanda Chigavazira told the court that detectives, acting on a tip-off, tracked Chipfunde to a hiking spot along the Beitbridge–Harare Road. A search of her luggage revealed 12 cobs of mbanje hidden inside a duvet. She pleaded guilty to violating the Dangerous Drugs Act and was sentenced to four years and two months, with 10 months of her five-year sentence conditionally suspended.
Zimbabwean authorities have expressed growing concern over the country's escalating drug problem. During a recent visit to Beitbridge, Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga highlighted the dangers of drug and substance abuse among young people, announcing the formation of an Inter-Ministerial Committee to tackle the crisis.
As part of efforts to curb drug trafficking, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has established Drugs and Narcotics Units at key border posts, including Beitbridge, Victoria Falls, Chirundu, and Mutare. Authorities are also deploying advanced surveillance technologies such as drones to enhance border security and crack down on smuggling operations.
Limpopo police spokesperson, Colonel Malasela Ledwaba, confirmed the arrests to Sunday News, stating that the suspects, aged 25 and 39, were apprehended while traveling in a commercial truck. Acting on intelligence, police launched an operation that successfully identified and stopped the vehicle, a white Scania truck with two trailers.
Upon conducting a thorough search, officers discovered 106 small bags, 10 larger bags, and two refuse bags filled with loose dagga, collectively weighing approximately 148.5kg. The vehicle and its trailers were seized as part of the investigation. Col Ledwaba said the two suspects will soon appear in a local magistrate's court, where they face charges related to possession and trafficking of dagga. Authorities are continuing investigations into the case.
Recent trends indicate a surge in drug smuggling, with mbanje (skunk) being transported from South Africa into Zimbabwe via the Limpopo River or through cross-border transporters, commonly known as omalayitsha. These drugs are believed to be destined for high-density suburbs in Bulawayo and Harare, fueling the country's growing substance abuse crisis.
Prosecutor Tawanda Chigavazira told the court that detectives, acting on a tip-off, tracked Chipfunde to a hiking spot along the Beitbridge–Harare Road. A search of her luggage revealed 12 cobs of mbanje hidden inside a duvet. She pleaded guilty to violating the Dangerous Drugs Act and was sentenced to four years and two months, with 10 months of her five-year sentence conditionally suspended.
Zimbabwean authorities have expressed growing concern over the country's escalating drug problem. During a recent visit to Beitbridge, Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga highlighted the dangers of drug and substance abuse among young people, announcing the formation of an Inter-Ministerial Committee to tackle the crisis.
As part of efforts to curb drug trafficking, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has established Drugs and Narcotics Units at key border posts, including Beitbridge, Victoria Falls, Chirundu, and Mutare. Authorities are also deploying advanced surveillance technologies such as drones to enhance border security and crack down on smuggling operations.
Source - The Sunday Mail
