The Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) intercepted dagga worth E92 100 and eight Boer goats valued at E34 000 in two separate border operations in the Shiselweni Region, and arrested three suspects.
The incidents, which occurred at Stilo and Gege on October 31 and November 1, involved the alleged smuggling of dagga and livestock across the Kingdom’s borders. In the first incident, UEDF troops on patrol intercepted a black and white Honda Fit sedan at Stilo at around 7:30 pm on November 1, 2026.
According to the army, the vehicle was driven by a 40-year-old Liswati man identified as Zwelithini Dlamini of Kubuta in the Manzini Region.
A search of the vehicle reportedly led to the discovery of seven bags of dagga weighing 92.1 kilograms, with an estimated street value of E92 100. The suspect, vehicle and dagga consignment were subsequently handed over to the relevant law enforcement agency.
In a separate operation at Gege on October 31, troops intercepted a white Toyota Hilux D4D single cab, at around 3:32 pm. The vehicle was allegedly driven by a 34-year-old woman, identified as Nolwazi Dlamini of Ngculwini in the Manzini Region, who had reportedly gone to fetch a 41-year-old man, Mancoba Nhleko, from Dudusini in the same region.
Nhleko was allegedly found in possession of eight Boer goats suspected to have been stolen from neighbouring South Africa. The army said the suspects failed to produce a stock removal permit when questioned by the troops. The livestock was valued at approximately E34 000.
The two suspects, vehicle and goats were handed over to the relevant law enforcement agency for further investigations. The UEDF said it was concerned about the continued smuggling of livestock and dagga along the Kingdom’s border lines, despite ongoing efforts to combat the criminal activities.
UEDF Public Affairs Officer Major Sandile Gwebu said the army appreciated members of the public who continued to assist in fighting criminality along the borders. “The Office of the Commander-UEDF truly appreciates members of the community that are assisting the UEDF in curbing criminality of this nature and requests continued support of the nation in this regard,” he said.
Major Gwebu said the Commander-UEDF had issued a stern warning against criminal activities taking place along all the Kingdom’s borders. The army has urged members of the public to report suspicious activities and other forms of criminality along the boundary lines through its toll-free number, 990.
