usi Kaizer Mabunda (40), was convicted for dealing in explosives by Lulekani Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
Mabunda was arrested in Lulekani township outside Tzaneen on 2 February 2018, and charged for dealing in explosives following an undercover operation by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit. The investigating team seized various explosives which amongst others included electric detonators, shock tube assemblies explosives, pentolite booster, bulk explosive mixer and detonating fuses valued at approximately R37 000.
Further investigation revealed that Mabunda was employed by a local mining company and that he sold explosives to suspects linked to Cash-in-Transit vehicles and Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) bombings. After making numerous court appearances, Mabunda was granted bail until he was recently convicted.
The court has sentenced Mabunda to an effective fifteen (15) years direct imprisonment without an option of a fine for contravening the Explosives Act.
