Two trucks belonging to a Gauteng-based cross-border transport company are being held at the Kazungula Border Post on the Zambian side amid an investigation into allegations concerning the transportation of unauthorised goods.
SA Trucker received information last week alleging that the drivers of the vehicles were linked to an incident involving contraband. The identities of the drivers were provided to SA Trucker, but their alleged arrest or detention has not been independently confirmed.
The transport company has confirmed that two of its vehicles are currently being held at Kazungula, but said it has not received formal confirmation from the relevant authorities regarding whether the drivers were arrested or detained, or details about the nature or quantity of the goods allegedly involved.
The company said the matter remains under investigation.
According to the company, the allegations concern the possible unauthorised actions of employees who may have acted without the knowledge or approval of the business and contrary to its policies and instructions.
The company said it had no knowledge of, and did not authorise, the transportation of any undeclared or unlawful goods.
An urgent internal investigation has been launched, with the company also taking precautionary action regarding the employees concerned.
Additional inspections and controls have reportedly been introduced across the operation, including checks on vehicles currently in transit and those preparing to undertake further cross-border trips.
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The company said it does not tolerate smuggling, the transportation of unauthorised goods or the misuse of its vehicles.
Should the allegations against any employee ultimately be substantiated, the company said it would take firm disciplinary and legal action against those found to have been involved.
The operator is also liaising with its Zambian representatives and the relevant authorities in an effort to establish exactly what happened.
SA Trucker understands that the matter remains under investigation, and the allegations should not be regarded as proven at this stage.
The identities of the drivers have not been published, given the lack of independent confirmation regarding their legal status and the ongoing investigation.
Further details are expected as authorities establish the circumstances surrounding the two vehicles and the goods allegedly involved. SA Trucker will update the story if verified information becomes available.
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