BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE – The Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) has intensified its crackdown on cross-border crime, intercepting dagga worth more than E510 000 and stopping illegal border crossings in a series of successful operations aimed at protecting the Kingdom’s borders.
The operations, conducted between June 23 and June 25, 2026, resulted in the seizure of 510.3 kilograms of dagga with an estimated street value of E510 300, while four Zimbabwean nationals attempting to enter Eswatini illegally were also apprehended.
According to the Office of the Commander-UEDF, the operations demonstrate the military’s continued commitment to combating organised crime, drug trafficking and illegal border crossings.
In the first operation on June 23 at around 6am, UEDF troops operating a mounted vehicle checkpoint at Mashayineni in the Lushikishini area intercepted an orange Nissan Murano carrying 107.1kg of dagga valued at E107 100.
Two emaSwati men, identified as Thabiso Myolwa (31) and Patrick S. Mbatha (34), both from Luve in the Mbelebeleni area, were arrested. The vehicle, suspects and the consignment were handed over to the relevant law enforcement authorities for further investigations.
Barely an hour later, at the same checkpoint, soldiers stopped a white Toyota Hilux GD-6 bakkie and discovered 403.2kg of dagga with an estimated street value of E403 200.
The driver, Mxolisi Mnisi (44) of Maguga in the Hhohho Region, was arrested and handed over to the relevant authorities together with the vehicle and the confiscated dagga.
The UEDF also reported that on June 25 at around 5:37pm, troops on patrol at Sivule in the Lubombo Region intercepted four Zimbabwean nationals attempting to enter Eswatini illegally from South Africa. They were immediately handed over to the relevant law enforcement agencies.
The Defence Force has reminded the public that entry into and exit from Eswatini is only permitted through designated border gates and official ports of entry, warning that crossing the country’s borders through undesignated points remains illegal.
While acknowledging the existence of designated informal crossings used by communities living along the border to access essential services, the UEDF stressed that these should not be abused to evade official immigration procedures or facilitate criminal activities.
The Office of the Commander-UEDF commended members of the public who continue to provide information that assists security forces in combating cross-border crime and appealed for continued cooperation.
The Commander also praised UEDF personnel for their dedication in safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity and reaffirmed the Defence Force’s commitment to protecting Eswatini’s borders from criminal activities.
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