A 36-year-old Limpopo man has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for breaking into a Ford dealership and stealing six new vehicles valued at more than R3 million.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Limpopo welcomes the conviction and sentencing of Chuma Brighton (27) by the Musina Regional Court on Thursday, 06 May 2021, for smuggling explosives
On 17 December 2020, Brighton was traveling from Zimbabwe to South Africa in a Toyota Hilux double cab when he was stopped and searched at Beitbridge Port of Entry by the police. Upon searching the vehicle, 32 blasting cartridges of explosives to the value of R 95 000-00 were found hidden in the loading portion covered with packed bags, and the accused was subsequently arrested.
The case was referred to the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team which successfully opposed Brighton’s bail bid during his trial until his fate was sealed recently. The Court has effectively condemned him to an effective 15 years direct imprisonment with no option of a fine.
Mercy Rifundo, 42, was sentenced by the Musina Regional Court on Wednesday.
She was also fined R20 000 for contravening the Immigration Act after it was found she had illegally entered into the country.
On 17 August 2020, Rifundo was on her way from Zimbabwe to South Africa when the taxi she was travelling in was stopped and searched by the Beitbridge border police.
Upon searching her bag, the police found 590 units of blasting cartridges to the value of R168 000 and she was subsequently arrested.
Investigation
Hawks spokesperson Captain Matimba Maluleke said Rifundo’s case was handed over to them for investigation.
Maluleke added their investigation revealed she did not have the required documents to be in the country as well.