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Mozambican man gets 10 years for mortar bomb at Lebombo border

Published

Antonio Charles Mugabe, 26, pleaded guilty to possessing, transporting and importing an explosive device after officials found a 60mm mortar bomb in his travel bag. The Boschfontein Regional Court in Mpumalanga passed sentence on Tuesday.

The Hawks announced the sentence. Officers found the mortar bomb in Mugabe's travel bag at the Lebombo Port of Entry. The Hawks said the device posed a serious threat to public safety and national security.

Hawks Mpumalanga provincial head Major General Nico Gerber commented on the case. He said "the sentence sends a strong warning to criminals seeking to use South Africa's borders to move dangerous weapons and explosives".

The South African Police Service and the South African Revenue Service took part in the joint border security operation.

Key facts

Who
Antonio Charles Mugabe (Mozambican national sentenced to 10 years in prison); Nico Gerber (Hawks Mpumalanga provincial head, Major General); Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks, announced the sentence); South African Police Service (joint border security operation partner)
What
Mugabe, 26, pleaded guilty to possession, transportation and importation of an explosive device after a 60mm mortar bomb was found in his travel bag at the Lebombo Port of Entry. The Boschfontein Regional Court in Mpumalanga sentenced him to 10 years.
When
27 October 2026
Where
Lebombo Port of Entry, Komatipoort, Mpumalanga
Status
Reported

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