Eswatini court hears explosive found in South Africa
Assistant Superintendent Bhekani Shiba testified that a device was collected from Bonginkhosi IB Dlamini’s home in South Africa.
An explosive device allegedly found with businessman Zweli Dlamini was collected from Bonginkhosi IB Dlamini’s home in South Africa, Assistant Superintendent Bhekani Shiba testified yesterday. Shiba stated that Zweli, a member of PUDEMO, communicated with activist Samora Ginindza before collecting the device. Zweli faces charges under the Suppression of Terrorism Act and Explosives Act before Judge Sabelo Masuku.
Shiba, Head of the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Unit, told the court that police investigations established Zweli travelled to South Africa on December 19, 2025, and returned the next day. Zweli allegedly explained to police that he was instructed to transport the explosive device from South Africa into Eswatini. Two names, Samora Ginindza and Bonginkhosi IB Dlamini, emerged during the accused’s interview as comrades with knowledge of the items.
The investigation into Zweli Dlamini began on December 22, 2025, after Superintendent Derrick Makhanya informed Shiba of the arrest. Intelligence suggested the explosives were intended to disrupt the Incwala Ceremony. Shiba has nearly 20 years of experience in terrorism investigations and has handled over 500 such cases.
Why it mattersBusinessman Zweli Dlamini is accused of plotting to destabilise the Incwala Ceremony using an explosive device allegedly sourced from South Africa.