Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) successfully prevented the smuggling of seven vehicles valued at E3 937 500 during the 2024/25 financial year.
This achievement is highlighted in the annual performance report of the Ministry of Defence and National Security. In addition to controlling vehicle smuggling, the UEDF also thwarted the theft of livestock. The report indicates that the UEDF managed to secure 104 cattle worth approximately E479 000, 257 goats valued at E46 000, eight Timphala, and five Tinyala, estimated at E17 000.
Smuggling of Trade Items
The report further details that various trade items, including new and second-hand clothing, cigarettes, alcohol, electronics, and skin lotion, were smuggled into Eswatini from Mozambique and South Africa. Undeclared trade items worth E916 646.93 were seized and handed over to the Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) for customs duties. Additionally, contraband valued at E241 551, which included similar items, was also controlled and submitted to ERS through border customs control points.
Weapons Control and Illegal Mining
The report also mentions that the seizure of two unlicensed short guns within military border operational areas, all of which were handed over to the police. The report also noted a significant increase in illegal mining activities for green chart precious stones within the Malolotja Nature Reserve, with UEDF troops managing to control both local and foreign nationals involved in these illegal operations.
Border Security Overview
The report elaborates on the concept of border security, which encompasses several components: border protection, border control, border stabilization, and physical control measures.
• Border Protection: This is primarily the responsibility of the Defence Force, focusing on actions against illegal infiltration and exfiltration along the country’s boundaries. The police support these efforts but remain primarily responsible for law enforcement.
• Border Control: This responsibility lies mainly with the police, immigration, customs, and other state departments. It involves the application of international and national laws concerning the borders of the Kingdom of Eswatini.
The UEDF plays a supportive role to other state agencies, dealing with border crossers daily and ensuring that any identified offenders are handed over to the police or relevant authorities.
Informal vs Illegal Border Crossings
The report distinguishes between informal border crossings, which are designated areas allowing communities on both sides of the border to access basic needs and services, and illegal border crossings, which are conducted by individuals with criminal intent.
Senators’ Concerns
During the debate of the 2024/25 annual performance of the Defence Ministry, senators raised many important issues, stating with emphasis that the Ministry should be wary of the country’s mineral resources that could be stolen through illegal mining. In response, acting Minister of Defence and National Security Pholile Shakantu said they would address this matter, along with others. She also stated that sometimes, these resources would be placed along the border the country shares with other neighbouring countries. She said they would also have to engage these neighbouring countries, with an intention to solve the matter.
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