Mbabane – Two emaSwati men have been arrested in South Africa after police allegedly found them in possession of dagga worth approximately E1.1 million, an unlicensed firearm and ammunition near the Oshoek Port of Entry.
The suspects, aged 26 and 38, were arrested by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Hartebeeskop on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at approximately 14:30. According to the police, the two were travelling in a Toyota Fortuner bearing Eswatini registration plates when officers stopped and searched the vehicle.
The search allegedly uncovered 272.65kg of dagga with an estimated street value of E1.1 million. Police also seized a black 9mm Girson pistol, one magazine and 13 live rounds of ammunition. The vehicle, firearm, ammunition and dagga were confiscated for further investigation.
The two men face charges of dealing in dagga, possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of ammunition and contravention of South Africa’s Immigration Act. SAPS said they were expected to appear before the Chief Albert Luthuli Magistrate’s Court. The charges remain allegations until proven in court.
The arrests formed part of police efforts to combat drug-related crime and the movement of illicit goods. The Oshoek seizure was one of two separate dagga recoveries reported by SAPS in Mpumalanga over two days, with the combined estimated street value of the seized dagga amounting to approximately E1.9 million.
In a separate incident on Monday, October 19, members of the SAPS Secunda Flying Squad seized another 103kg of dagga, valued at approximately E800,000, along the N17 road near Leandra.
Police said officers were conducting patrols when they spotted a light-blue Honda Civic bearing Gauteng registration plates. When they attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver allegedly abandoned it and fled on foot.
A subsequent search uncovered dagga on the rear passenger seat and inside the boot. The vehicle and the drugs were seized for further investigation. According to the police statement, the driver had fled the scene.
The two operations resulted in the seizure of a combined 375.65kg of dagga, with an estimated street value of E1.9 million. The Oshoek operation also led to the recovery of a firearm and ammunition, raising concerns about the range of items allegedly being transported alongside the drugs.
Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise commended the police officers for their swift response and dedication. He emphasised that SAPS would continue working to improve safety at ports of entry, combat drug trafficking and the movement of illicit items, and ensure that those found guilty face the full force of the law.
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