Cops: Businessman financed, coordinated terrorist acts

MBABANE – Police investigations have uncovered evidence that businessman Zweli Welile Dlamini was allegedly financing terrorism activities.

The businessman is alleged to have been coordinating with underground operatives and maintaining constant communication with individuals linked to violent plots aimed at destabilising peace in the country.

Dlamini is the businessman who is facing charges under the Suppression of Terrorism Act, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition and possession of an explosive device.

These revelations form the cornerstone of the State’s vigorous opposition to Dlamini’s urgent bail application, as outlined in a detailed opposing affidavit deposed to by Manzini Regional Crime Branch Officer (RCBO) Assistant Superintendent Derrick Makhanya of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS).

According to the police, critical digital evidence extracted from Dlamini’s seized mobile phone directly contradicts his claims that there is nothing linking him to the so-called ‘Solidarity Forces’ or to acts of terrorism.

Investigators allege that the phone contains communication records and information showing sustained contact with individuals still at large, as well as records pointing to the financing of terrorism-related activities.

“The applicant (Dlamini) was in constant communication with people who are still at large. This evidence was sourced from his own cellphone. The cellphone also contained records showing that the applicant was financing the terrorist activities. This will be demonstrated during trial,” Makhanya stated in his affidavit.

The State contends that this cellphone evidence, when considered alongside the recovery of a live military-grade fragmentation grenade, firearms and large quantities of ammunition from Dlamini’s residence, establishes a formidable prima facie case that places national security and public safety at serious risk, should he be released on bail.

The opposing affidavit places Dlamini’s arrest within the broader national security context, recalling the civil unrest that gripped the country between 2021 and 2022 and subsequent threats made against State institutions and traditional ceremonies.

Police told the court that in December 2025, they received highly credible intelligence indicating that members of the Solidarity Forces were at an advanced stage of planning a violent attack during the Incwala Ceremony.

The alleged objective, according to investigators, was to disrupt the sacred Incwala Ceremony by killing civilians and members of the public in attendance.

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If granted bail, he’ll continue ‘evil’ acts – cops

MBABANE – Police contend that releasing businessman Zweli Welile Dlamini on bail would allow him to continue with what they described as ‘evil’ acts.

These acts, according to the police, include terrorism that threaten national security and the lives of ordinary emaSwati.

In an opposing affidavit filed against Dlamini’s bail application, the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) submitted that there are compelling reasons to keep the accused in custody, citing the seriousness of the charges and the dangerous circumstances under which he was arrested.

The State told the court that the accused was found in possession of dangerous weapons allegedly intended to be used during the Incwala Ceremony, a national event attended by large crowds, senior traditional leaders and members of the public.

Police argued that the gravity of the offences creates a substantial likelihood that the accused will continue with evil and terrorist activities if he is released.

Terrorism

“The gravity of these charges creates a substantial likelihood that the applicant will commit further acts of terrorism if released,” the affidavit states, adding that such conduct would amount to the continuation of evil acts against the State and its people.

The State stressed that while the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty, the risk posed to public safety outweighs his personal liberty under the circumstances.

Police told the court that Dlamini failed to place before it any evidence showing exceptional circumstances that would justify his release, particularly in a matter involving alleged terrorism and military-grade weapons.

The prosecution further dismissed the accused’s undertaking that he would not abscond, describing it as a bare promise that ignores his dual citizenship and established residence and business interests in Pretoria, South Africa.

According to the State, the incentive to flee is overwhelming given the possibility of a life sentence under the Suppression of Terrorism Act.

*Full article available on Pressreader*