BY NOKUPHILA NXUMALO (INTERN)
MBABANE– A 69-year-old Mozambican national has been arrested and charged after allegedly failing to declare E40 000 in South African currency at the Lomahasha Border Gate when entering the Kingdom of Eswatini.
According to information sourced from the Eswatini Royal Police Service Facebook page, the suspect was intercepted on May 8, 2026 at about 1530 hours by soldiers stationed at the Maphiveni Army checkpoint. He was later handed over to officers at Simunye Police Station for further investigations.
Police stated that the suspect was formally charged with contravening Section 41(2) of the Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism Act, 2011, which requires travellers entering or leaving the country with cash or bearer negotiable instruments exceeding E25 000 to declare the funds at ports of entry or exit.
The suspect allegedly informed authorities that he had no knowledge of the declaration requirement or the relevant legislation governing the movement of large amounts of cash across borders.
The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) reminded the public that ignorance of the law is not considered a valid excuse. Police warned that failure to declare cash above the prescribed threshold is a criminal offence that may result in arrest, seizure of funds and prosecution before the courts.
According to information released by police, the suspect had reportedly travelled to Eswatini to assist a partner whose house at her marital homestead was allegedly damaged during recent natural disasters experienced in parts of the country.
The suspect was expected to appear before the Siteki Magistrate Court to answer to the charges.
REPS further encouraged travellers and members of the public to familiarise themselves with border regulations before entering or leaving the country. Police also advised individuals carrying large sums of money to seek guidance from customs, immigration or police officials at border posts to avoid contravening the law.
The police reiterated their commitment to enforcing the country’s laws and combating financial crimes through strengthened border monitoring and collaboration with security agencies.
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(Courtesy Pic)
