The Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) has successfully intercepted a significant quantity of dagga and livestock in two separate border operations in the Shiselweni Region of Eswatini. The operations, which took place on October 31 and November 1, resulted in the seizure of dagga worth E92 100 and eight Boer goats valued at E34 000. The incidents 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. 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 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. This successful operation is a significant blow to dagga smugglers who have been using Eswatini as a transit point. The UEDF has been working tirelessly to combat the smuggling of dagga and other illicit goods across the Kingdom’s borders.
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 has expressed concern about the continued smuggling of livestock and dagga along the Kingdom’s border lines, despite ongoing efforts to combat the criminal activities. 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.
The 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 Commander-UEDF had issued a stern warning against criminal activities taking place along all the Kingdom’s borders. The army’s efforts to combat smuggling and other forms of criminality are ongoing, with the support of the local community being crucial to their success.
Key points
- The UEDF seized dagga worth E92 100 and eight Boer goats valued at E34 000 in two separate border operations in the Shiselweni Region.
- The incidents involved the alleged smuggling of dagga and livestock across the Kingdom’s borders, with three suspects arrested and handed over to the relevant law enforcement agency.
- The UEDF 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.
