Maputo, May 26, 2026 (Lusa) – Mozambican authorities have seized a truck carrying about 40,000 litres of fuel, suspecting smuggling to neighbouring South Africa.

“The Police of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM) in Maputo province stopped a truck on a road in the Malhampsene neighbourhood containing about 40,000 litres of fuel,” said Carminha Leite, spokesperson for the police force on Monday.

She said officers found several South African licence plates in the vehicle, leading them to mobilise teams from the police, customs, the criminal investigation service (Sernic), and migration services to verify the legality of the cargo and the operation.

The spokesperson said the truck driver claimed he was transporting the fuel to Ressano Garcia, on the border between Mozambique and South Africa.

Police then detained the driver and seized the vehicle to proceed with the investigation. “The police are working to locate the truck owner, as well as the company owner, for further investigations,” she said.

The PRM also said the seizure occurred during regular patrolling operations and appealed for community collaboration in reporting illegal practices to combat crime and ensure public order and safety in Maputo province.

Diesel prices in Mozambique rose by 45.5% on 7 May and petrol by 12.1% per litre, as the government justified the fuel price increase with international prices.

EYMZ/LYT // AYLS

Lusa