South African police said Thursday that they had boarded a
Russian-registered cargo ship allegedly carrying illegal weapons and
explosives en route to Lagos, Nigeria.
The vessel, named Lada,
had reportedly left Madagascar before stopping at Ngqura port outside
the eastern city of Port Elizabeth, where it was detained after a
security check on Sunday.
“We are aware that she has dangerous
cargo — explosives and weapons — on board,” Olwethu Mdabula, spokeswoman
for the Transnet state transport company told AFP.
She declined to give further details.
Brigadier
Hangwani Mulaudzi, spokesman for the Hawks police investigative unit,
confirmed to AFP that the vessel was carrying weapons.
“This is a very, very sensitive matter. It is receiving attention,” he said.
Local
reports said police had searched the vessel after an anonymous tip-off
and found weapons and explosives worth about $3.5 million in 20
containers on board.
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