News Writer
The Zimbabwe Republic Police have confirmed the arrest of three men in connection with a smuggling at Beitbridge Border Post.
The suspects Mehluli Nkomo (35), Brendon Dube (28), and Wellington Ndlovu (34) were arrested Sunday, while attempting to smuggle firearms and drugs into the country.
The trio were traveling in a Toyota Quantum vehicle, towing a trailer carrying the body of Kudakwashe Saveka from South Africa.
“During the inspection of the vehicle at Light Motor Vehicle Terminal, North Bound, Port Health Inspection Bay, the 10 firearms and 100 x 100ml Broncleer Syrup were found stashed in a box which was covered with 40 reflector vests.” Police National spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi said in a statement.
In a related incident, Beitbridge police are investigating the murder of a cross-border smuggler, Philmon Chamunorwa Tongoona (33), which occurred on June 22, 2024.
Tongoona was shot dead by three unknown assailants near Tongwani Village along the Beitbridge-Panda Mine Road.The police detailed the incident, saying, “The suspects pounced on the victim and his employee whilst they were guarding groceries, gas stoves, and blankets which had been packed in a trailer being towed by an Isuzu KB250 vehicle. The trailer had developed a mechanical fault along the way from Panda Mine, Gate 2, Beitbridge.
“The suspects attacked the victim’s employee before stealing a cellphone and US$150.00 cash. Subsequently, the victim ran away from the scene and was shot on the back. The suspects stole goods and fled from the scene.”
Police are continuing their investigations into both incidents, appealing to the public for any information that could lead to further arrests and the identification of the murder suspects.