KEY POINTS
- Authorities arrested a man for possessing explosives at a border.
- Investigators suspect links to planned ATM bombings and heists.
- Similar explosives were used in past attacks in Eswatini.
Authorities in Eswatini detained a 37-year-old man after discovering explosives in his car during a routine border search conducted by the Royal Eswatini Police Service on Wednesday morning. The confiscated explosives, known for their high detonation velocity and powerful blast capabilities, are typically used in construction, mining, and quarrying.
Explosives found in vehicle during border search
Law enforcement officials are currently investigating whether the explosives were intended for use within Eswatini or if they were meant to be smuggled into another country. According to the Iol, authorities are also examining potential links to recent ATM bombings and cash-in-transit heists, which have raised significant public safety concerns.
The incident comes just months after a similar case involving a group of suspects linked to an ATM bombing in Eswatini. In December, police arrested five individuals for allegedly bombing a First National Bank (FNB) Eswatini ATM and stealing over R500,000. The group included a Mozambican national, Armando Maswangayi, 27, two South Africans, Dumisani Goodman Ngubane, 34, from Gauteng, and Lethukuthula Hlongwa, 21, from KwaZulu-Natal, as well as two Eswatini women, Lomakhosi Dlamini, 49, and Elli Olivia Khoza, 44.
Authorities probe suspect’s motives and possible smuggling links
Beyond the FNB attack, the group is also accused of stealing over R320,000 from an Eswatini Bank ATM. During their arrest, authorities recovered an unauthorized black and silver 9mm firearm in their possession. Additionally, Maswangayi and Hlongwa were charged with illegally entering and staying in Eswatini without proper documentation.
The recent seizure of explosives at the border has heightened fears of further criminal activities involving high-powered explosives. Authorities remain on high alert as investigations continue to determine the full scope of the suspect’s intentions.
