MBABANE – Two Botswana nationals have been arrested and charged after they were allegedly found in possession of explosive materials during an intelligence-driven police operation in Mbabane.
According to the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), the suspects, aged 48 and 44, were arrested on June 23, 2026, at about 4pm in the Mbabane city centre.
Police identified the men as residents of Serowe and Gaborone in Botswana. They have been charged with contravening the Explosives Act after they were allegedly found in possession of two 120-centimetre explosive nonel tubing detonators without a licence or permit.
The two men have also been charged with unlawfully entering and remaining in the Kingdom of Eswatini without valid immigration documents.
Police said the arrests followed an intelligence-led operation conducted by officers in Mbabane.
The suspects are expected to appear before court today.
REPS said the arrests represented a significant breakthrough in ongoing investigations into criminal activities. Preliminary investigations suggest the two men may be linked to a number of cases, including housebreaking and theft as well as robbery incidents reported along the Matsamo-Buhleni-Madlangempisi corridor over the past few months.
Investigations are continuing to establish the full extent of the suspects’ alleged involvement in the crimes under investigation.
Police have not yet disclosed further details regarding the explosives or the specific cases to which the suspects are allegedly connected.
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