MBABANE — Intelligence-led operations by the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) have averted a planned violent attack on members of the public attending the ongoing Incwala Ceremony.
Police intercepted and arrested Mbabane-based businessman Zweli Dlamini after he was allegedly found in possession of firearms, ammunition and an explosive device.
This emerged during Dlamini’s first appearance before the High Court. Prosecutors laid out a detailed summary of evidence outlining what they described as a coordinated plan by underground Swaziland International Solidarity Forces, allegedly working in connection with Dlamini, to carry out fatal shootings during the culturally significant national ceremony.
The accused has been described as a resident of Mpolonjeni in Mbabane, or Centurion, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa.
Dlamini (40) is alleged by the Crown to be a member of the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), a proscribed organisation under Eswatini law.
He has since been charged with multiple offences, including contravening the Suppression of Terrorism Act, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, and possession of an explosive device.
According to the summary of evidence presented in court, police received intelligence indicating that there was a plot to disrupt the Incwala Ceremony by shooting people attending the event. Acting on this information, REPS members launched investigations that led them to the accused.
The prosecution told the court that investigations revealed that Dlamini had departed the country through the Ngwenya Border Gate on December 18 and returned on December 20 using the same border gate.
The timing of his movements, the State submitted, raised serious concern, given the intelligence about the alleged planned attack.
Upon his return to the country, police are said to have closely monitored his movements as part of a broader intelligence operation aimed at preventing what the Crown described as an imminent threat to public safety.
“In order to thwart his evil intention of attacking the nation attending the ongoing Incwala Ceremony, on December 22, 2025, police proceeded to his place of abode at the ERS State Warehouse quarters in Matsapha,” reads part of the summary of evidence.
The prosecution told the court that upon arrival at the premises, police officers identified themselves to the accused and cautioned him in terms of the Judges’ Rules. He was then conveyed to the Manzini Regional Police Headquarters for further investigations.
It was submitted that during the course of the investigations, the accused led police back to his residence, where he pointed out and handed over various items allegedly found in his possession.
These items, according to the State, include a Glock 19 pistol loaded with a magazine containing 15 live rounds of ammunition, an extra magazine also loaded with 15 live rounds, a magazine of an R4 rifle loaded with 20 live rounds, 26 live rounds of .38 calibre revolver ammunition, an additional 38 live rounds of ammunition and an M26 hand grenade.
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Heavy security as businessman appears at High Court
MBABANE – There was heavy security during the maiden court appearance of businessman Zweli Dlamini.
Dlamini made his maiden appearance at the High Court before Judge Justice Mavuso, who remanded him in custody.
The proceedings were conducted under heavy security, with armed plain-clothes police officers deployed inside and outside the courtroom.
The contingent of police officers who had brought Dlamini to court was being led by seasoned investigators Thabo Hlophe and Derrick Makhanya. The accused appeared in leg irons and remained under close guard throughout the proceedings. Only close family members and his legal representative, attorney Wandile Maseko, were present in court when the matter was heard in the afternoon session.
Judge Mavuso informed the accused that pending his next court appearance, he was at liberty to file any papers and/or application before court. When asked if he understood what the court was saying, Dlamini responded to the affirmative.
Charges against accused:
Count 1
Contravening Section 5(2) of the Suppression of Terrorism Act of 2008:
Section 5(2) of Eswatini’s Suppression of Terrorism Act, 2008, criminalises the unlawful possession of explosive devices or terror-related literature (manuals, books) and carries a penalty of up to 15 years imprisonment, making it an offence to have such items without lawful justification.
It is alleged that on December 22, 2025, at or near Matsapha State Warehouse staff houses, the accused, acting individually and/or jointly and in furtherance of a common purpose with other people unknown to the Crown, the accused being a member of a terrorist group, did unlawfully have in his possession an explosive device. It is alleged that the accused was found in possession of these items without a justifiable reason. According to the charge sheet, these explosives and ammunitions were among other things intended to cause death, endanger the lives of the people and/or the above terrorist acts were committed by the accused to unduly compel the Eswatini Government to refrain from carrying out its mandate or bring about the overthrow by force or violence the lawful Government of Eswatini.
Count 2
The accused is alleged to have contravened the Explosives Act of 1961.
It is alleged that upon or about December 22, 2025, near Matsapha State Warehouse staff houses, the said accused person, acting individually and/or jointly and in furtherance of a common purpose with other people unknown to the Crown, the accused being a member of a terrorist group, did unlawfully have in his possession an explosive device, being an M26 hand grenade, with intent to injure a person or cause damage to property.
Count 3
lThe accused allegedly contravened Section 11 of the Arms and Ammunition Act of 1961.
It is alleged that on December 22, 2025, at or near Matsapha State Warehouse Staff houses, the accused was found in possession of a Glock 19 pistol without a licence.
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