Security forces have dealt a major blow to suspected illegal mining and drug trafficking activities after the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) recovered consignments worth an estimated E88,000 during an intelligence-led operation in northern Hhohho.

The operation, conducted at Mbongose Hills during the late hours of Monday, 6 July 2026, resulted in the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of 1.4 tonnes of suspected gold-bearing sand valued at E72 000, together with 8.5kg of dagga valued at E16 000.
The UEDF said the operation was launched after receiving intelligence information on alleged criminal activities taking place in the area.

According to UEDF Public Affairs Officer Major Sandile Gwebu officers recovered 56 bags of gold sand, which had an estimated gold product of 23.8 grams after the refinery.
The suspected gold sand was allegedly being transported in a white Isuzu KB bakkie bearing registration number ESD 346 AM, which was also seized during the operation.

The-three-suspects-that-we-arrested-for-smuggling-gold-and-dagga.

The three suspects arrested were identified as Siboniso Dlamini (34) from Zibonele area in Hhohho, who was allegedly driving the vehicle, Sicelo Tsenami (25) from Zibonele, and Surprise Konyane (29) from Mpumalanga Province in South Africa.
The UEDF said Tsenami and Konyane were linked to the dagga consignment, while all three suspects were linked to the alleged illegal mining operation.

The suspects, vehicle and recovered consignments have since been handed over to the relevant law enforcement agency for further investigations.
Major Gwebu said the Commander-UEDF appreciated members of the public who continue to provide information that assists security forces in fighting crime.

He added that the UEDF would continue pursuing individuals involved in illegal mining and other criminal activities. This version reads more like a front-page/lead article: the headline carries the money angle, the first paragraph carries the impact, and the details follow.

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