Harare, (New Ziana) – Police said on Tuesday they had arrested three suspects in Beitbridge for allegedly attempting to smuggle firearms and a banned cough syrup into the country.
Mehluli Nkomo (35), Brendon Dube (28), and Wellington Ndlovu (34) were apprehended on June 23rd as they attempted to cross the border from South Africa.
Upon inspection of their Toyota Quantum vehicle, which was towing a trailer containing a dead body, authorities discovered 10 boxed 9mm P.A.K pistols with empty magazines and 100 bottles of the banned Broncleer cough syrup.
Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the suspects had hidden the firearms and drugs inside a box covered by 40 reflector vests.
Tragically, just a day earlier, a Zimbabwean cross-border trader, Philmon Chamunorwa Tongoona (33), was shot and killed along the Beitbridge-Panda Mine Road near Tongwani Village. Tongoona and his employee were guarding a trailer full of groceries, gas stoves, and blankets when they were attacked by three unknown suspects.
The suspects assaulted the employee and stole a cellphone and $150 in cash.
The stolen goods were also taken by the suspects, who remain at large. Nyathi appealed to the public for any information that could lead to their arrest.
New Ziana
