The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Limpopo welcomed the conviction and sentencing of Mercy Rifundo (42) for smuggling explosives by the Musina Regional Court on Wednesday, 13 January 2021.
On 17 August 2020, Rifundo was en-route from Zimbabwe to South Africa when the taxi she was travelling in was stopped and searched by the Beitbridge Border Post police. Upon searching her bag, police found 590 unit of blasting cartridges to the value of R168 000.00 and she was subsequently arrested.
The case was transferred to the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime investigation for further investigation. During the investigation, it was discovered that the accused did not have required documents to be in the country as well.
Rifundo made several court appearances and remanded in custody until she was found guilty and sentenced to 15 years direct imprisonment without an option of a fine for smuggling explosives. She was also found guilty for contravening the Immigration Act and fined R20 000.00.
The acting Provincial Head, Brigadier Angie Matlabe commended the investigation and prosecution teams for their meritorious efforts. “We are determined to fight all types of organised crime in our country including transnational crimes. We will not rest until our country is freed from criminal networks”, Brigadier Matlabe added.
