Twenty-two goats valued at E33 000 have been intercepted at Sivule in the Lubombo Region following an operation by the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF).
The livestock was intercepted on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, at about 3 pm after UEDF troops conducting a planned operation in the area noticed a white vehicle ferrying goats towards the Kingdom’s border line.
According to the UEDF, the troops followed the vehicle to a homestead situated near the boundary line, where it was controlled. 
An investigation at the homestead resulted in the recovery of 22 goats and the apprehension of two suspects, a man and a woman.
The suspects have been identified as Bheki Mntjali, 50, and Sizakele Mkhatshwa, 58. Both are from Qomintaba in the Shiselweni Region.
The UEDF said the livestock was estimated to be worth E33 000. The vehicle allegedly used to transport the goats was also seized during the operation, a white Ford Ranger.
The UEDF said the suspects, vehicle and livestock had since been handed over to the relevant law enforcement agency for further investigation.
The interception forms part of the UEDF’s efforts to curb criminal activities along the Kingdom’s border lines, particularly livestock-related crime.
The force has called on members of the public to assist by reporting suspicious activities observed along the country’s boundary lines.
Members of the public can contact the UEDF through its toll-free number, 990, when they notice suspected criminal activity along the border.
UEDF Public Affairs Officer Major Sandile Gwebu said the force appreciated the assistance it continued to receive from members of the community in efforts to curb criminality along the border.
The UEDF has encouraged communities to maintain their support and remain vigilant, particularly in areas close to the Kingdom’s boundary lines.
The force has also cautioned against criminal activities occurring along all border lines of the Kingdom.
The UEDF further acknowledged the continued work of its troops in protecting and defending the Kingdom of Eswatini.
