SANDF confiscates vehicles, explosives and goods worth millions in Limpopo

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has confiscated high-powered vehicles, explosives, detonators and goods worth millions of rands during operations in Limpopo.

The seizures were made by soldiers from 4 Artillery Regiment while conducting Waylay operations around the Beitbridge Port of Entry and surrounding areas.

According to the SANDF, soldiers operating on the eastern side of the Beitbridge port intercepted and confiscated a Toyota Fortuner 2.4 GD6 and a Ford Ranger Stormtrak.

The vehicles were valued at R754 000 and R950 000 respectively.

The SANDF said its soldiers were also deployed near Gumbu mine, where they confiscated groceries and other goods valued at R46 510.

On the western side of the Support Base, soldiers seized explosives and detonators with an estimated value of R279 000.

The operation also resulted in the apprehension of 70 undocumented people.

The SANDF said the explosives and detonators seized in Limpopo were of the same type as those confiscated earlier this week by soldiers from the Solomon Mahlangu Regiment in Randfontein, on Gauteng's West Rand.

The Randfontein operation was conducted under Operation Prosper.

The latest seizures form part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting illicit activities along South Africa's borders and preventing the movement of contraband and other illegal goods.

The SANDF did not provide further details about the identities of the people found in possession of the vehicles, explosives or goods, nor did it indicate whether arrests or criminal charges had been instituted.

Authorities are expected to conduct further investigations into the origin and intended destination of the seized explosives and detonators, as well as the circumstances surrounding the movement of the vehicles and undocumented persons.

The SANDF said its soldiers would continue conducting operations in the border areas as part of efforts to combat cross-border crime and other illegal activities.