Siteki– A 69-year-old Mozambican man who claimed he was entering the country to help a relative repair a storm-damaged house is facing criminal charges after failing to declare E40,000 in cash at the border.
The suspect was intercepted by soldiers at the Maphiveni Army checkpoint on Friday afternoon, shortly after crossing through the Lomahasha Border Gate. He was found in possession of the South African currency and subsequently handed over to the Simunye Police Station.
According to the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), the man was formally charged with contravening Section 41 (2) of the Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism Act of 2011. Under Eswatini law, any traveler carrying cash or negotiable instruments exceeding E25,000 must declare the funds at the port of entry or exit.
Upon his arrest, the suspect told investigators he had no knowledge of the legal requirement to declare large sums of money. He explained that his journey into the Kingdom was motivated by a plea for help from a partner whose marital home was reportedly damaged by recent natural disasters.
Police have used the arrest to remind the public that “ignorance of the law is no excuse.” They cautioned that failing to report funds above the E25,000 threshold constitutes a criminal offense that can lead to the permanent seizure of the money and prosecution.
The 69-year-old is scheduled to appear before the Siteki Magistrate’s Court today. Authorities continue to advise all travelers to consult with customs and immigration officials if they are unsure of the declaration requirements before crossing the border.
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