South Africa: Security Operatives Intercept, Arrest 23-Year-Old Man With Bag Of Explosives

The Hawks in KwaZulu-Natal intercepted and arrested a 23-year-old man with a bag of explosives in a fully laden taxi in Umhlanga while en route to Durban's CBD on Tuesday.

Capt Simphiwe Mhlongo, a Hawks spokesperson, said members got information about a suspect in possession of commercial explosives.

“It is alleged the suspect was in a taxi travelling to Durban.

"The taxi was intercepted on the M41, and the suspect tried to escape, but he was arrested. 

"Commercial explosives were found in his bag.

"The explosive unit and local criminal record centre were summoned to process the crime scene as well as to secure the exhibits.”

KZN VIP Protection's Glen Naidoo said they were called to help cordon off part of the M41 near Gateway in Umhlanga. 

“At 9:40 am, we received a call from members of the Hawks anti-gang unit who said they had intercepted a suspect with a lot of explosives in a taxi. 

"We were requested to block off parts of the road, it is a very busy street from Durban North into Umhlanga.

"We cordoned off Umhlanga Rocks Drive, La Lucia and the M4 and waited for the bomb squad to complete their sweep of the vicinity once the suspect was arrested.” 

On Thursday, the suspect will appear in Durban magistrate's court.