SA man arrested with 12 explosives at Eswatini border

SA man arrested with 12 explosives at Eswatini border! A routine border crossing took a dramatic turn when a 37-year-old South African man was arrested at the Mananga Border Gate, attempting to enter Eswatini with 12 Magex Maxam blasting explosives.

The arrest took place on Wednesday morning after 7 AM, following a vehicle search by border authorities. The discovery of the high-powered explosives has now sparked a full-scale investigation into the suspect’s intentions.

Explosives Commonly Used in Mining and Construction

Magex Maxam blasting explosives are widely used in mining, quarrying, and construction due to their high detonation velocity and explosive power. However, their presence at a border crossing has raised serious concerns over possible criminal activities, such as cash-in-transit heists and ATM bombings.

Man arrested

Authorities Investigating Possible Criminal Links

According to the Times of Swaziland, members of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) uncovered the illegal explosives during routine border checks, leading to the immediate arrest of the suspect.

Authorities are now investigating:

• The suspect’s motive for carrying the explosives.
• Whether the explosives were meant for use in Eswatini or were intended for another country.
• Potential connections to recent ATM bombings and cash-in-transit heists.

According to high-ranking sources, these explosives could be linked to planned robberies, further increasing concerns over public safety in the region.

Recent ATM Bombings Linked to South African Criminals

This incident follows a series of ATM bombings in Eswatini involving South African and Mozambican suspects.

In December 2024, authorities arrested:

• Dumisani Goodman Ngubane (34) from Gauteng, South Africa.
• Lethukuthula Hlongwa (21) from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
• Two Eswatini women, Lomakhosi Dlamini (49) and Elli Olivia Khoza (44).
• Armando Maswangayi (27) from Mozambique.

The group was accused of bombing an ATM belonging to First National Bank (FNB) Eswatini, stealing over half a million rand.

Additionally, they were charged with bombing an Eswatini Bank ATM, from which they stole over R320,000.

Weapons and Illegal Entry

During their arrest, authorities discovered a black and silver 9mm pistol in their possession. The weapon was unlicensed, further raising concerns over the group’s criminal activities.

Moreover, suspects Maswangayi and Hlongwa were charged for illegally entering and remaining in Eswatini without proper documentation.

Concerns Over Cross-Border Crime

The arrest at the Mananga Border Gate highlights the growing issue of cross-border crime involving South African syndicates. Criminals often use Eswatini and Mozambique as bases to carry out high-profile robberies before fleeing across international borders.

Authorities have noted that cash-in-transit heists and ATM bombings have become more frequent, with stolen explosives often used in these violent crimes.

Government and Law Enforcement Response

Law enforcement agencies in both Eswatini and South Africa are now under pressure to increase security measures at border crossings.

Proposed security measures include:

• Stronger border inspections to prevent illegal smuggling of explosives and firearms.
• Better intelligence-sharing between Eswatini and South Africa to track organized crime groups.
• Tighter regulations on explosives to ensure they do not fall into criminal hands.

The Royal Eswatini Police Service has assured the public that they will remain vigilant and take firm action against criminals attempting to operate across national borders.

Public Safety Concerns

Local residents in Eswatini have expressed fear over the increasing number of violent crimes involving explosives.

A business owner in Mbabane commented:

“It’s terrifying to think that criminals are carrying high-powered explosives across our borders. The police need to do more to protect us.”

Similarly, a resident from Manzini stated:

“ATM bombings and robberies are becoming too common. We don’t feel safe anymore.”

Final Thoughts

The arrest of the South African suspect with explosives at the Mananga Border Gate adds to growing concerns over cross-border crime, organized robbery syndicates, and illegal arms smuggling.

With ongoing investigations, authorities are working to determine:

• Whether this suspect was working alone or part of a larger criminal network.
• Where the explosives were intended to be used.
• How criminals are smuggling explosives across borders.

Until stronger security measures are implemented, the risk of cross-border crime remains a serious concern for both Eswatini and South Africa.