The Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) has stepped up border security operations, successfully disrupting several smuggling attempts involving livestock and dagga along the Kingdom’s boundary lines with the Republic of South Africa.
In a series of coordinated patrols conducted in the Shiselweni and Lubombo regions, troops intercepted 3 cattle, 18 goats, and 8.3kg of dagga with an estimated street value of E83 000.00.
A total of six suspects were apprehended, and two vehicles were seized during the operations. 
The first incident occurred on 13 June 2026 at around 0915 hours at Sivule Hhuhhuma area in the Shiselweni region, where three Swazi male adults were controlled while attempting to smuggle three cows on foot into the neighbouring Republic of South Africa.
The suspects were identified as Lucky Ntjangase, 42, of Mkhwakhweni area;Nkhosikhona Zwane, 21, of Mkhwakhweni area; and Mr Vuyolwethu Sikhakhane, 20, also of Mkhwakhweni area.
The livestock was recovered and the suspects were handed over to the relevant law enforcement authorities for further investigation.
In a second operation on 14 June 2026 at around 1740 hours in the Nsubane area, Lubombo region, troops intercepted a Toyota Condor loaded with 18 goats allegedly being smuggled across the border.
Two suspects were apprehended during the operation: Somiso Dlamini, 75, and Nonhle Matsenjwa, a 14-year-old minor, both from Gamula area in the Lubombo region.
The vehicle details were recorded as a Toyota Condor, grey in colour, registration number HSD 273 AH. The suspects, livestock, and vehicle were handed over to law enforcement authorities for further investigation.
In a third operation on 14 June 2026 at around 2000 hours, also in Nsubane, Lubombo,
troops controlled three Swazi male adults attempting to smuggle 8.3kg of dagga into the Republic of South Africa. The suspects were travelling in a white Mazda Demio registered ASD 556 CH.
They have been identified as Musa Ngcampalala, 52, of St Philips area; Zwelethu Dlamini, 29, of Big Bend area; and Mvumeleni Hlatjwako, 29, of Magwanyana area.
The dagga, suspects, and vehicle were handed over to the relevant law enforcement agency.
The UEDF has commended the success of the operations, attributing the interceptions to heightened patrols, increased visibility, and surprise checkpoints along the border areas.
The Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on cross-border criminal networks and ensuring continued protection of the Kingdom’s territorial integrity.
