The Mpumalanga Hawks arrested two men, a 37-year-old undocumented foreign national and a 36-year-old South African citizen, during an intelligence-driven disruptive operation in Mbombela on Friday, September 4.

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According to Mpumalanga Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, the operation was conducted by the Hawks’ Nelspruit Serious Organised Crime Investigation, supported by National Crime Intelligence, Fidelity Security Services Head Office, Fairview Mine and the Illicit Mining Operation Vikela in Barberton.

Officers raid lodge along R40

“Acting on information received from National Crime Intelligence that two men were allegedly in possession of explosives and would be in the vicinity of a lodge along the R40 in Mbombela, the information was operationalised.
“At about 15:30, the operational team received confirmation that the suspects were at the identified lodge. Officers approached the premises tactically and located two men inside one of the rooms,” Nkosi said.

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He added that the suspects were allegedly found in possession of a substantial quantity of explosives.
The suspects were travelling in a grey Hyundai i20, which was also seized for further investigation.

R130 000 worth of explosives seized

The explosives recovered included 50 electric detonators, 80 blasting cartridges (Super Power 90 Zambia) and 32 connector cords, with an estimated street value of R130 000. Two cellphones were also seized.
The Explosives Unit and Local Criminal Record Centre were on the scene and provided the necessary specialist assistance.

The two suspects are facing charges of contravening the Explosives Act and Immigration Act. A case has been opened at Nelspruit Police Station.
They are expected to appear in the Nelspruit Magistrates’ Court once they have been formally charged.