The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), in Mpumalanga has arrested two men, a 37-year-old undocumented foreign national and a 36-year-old South African citizen, in an intelligence-driven disruptive operation in Nelspruit on Friday, 4 September 2026.
The operation was conducted by the Hawks’ Nelspruit Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI), supported by National Crime Intelligence, Fidelity Security Services Head Office, Fairview Mine and the Illicit Mining Operation Vikela Barberton.
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 Nelspruit, the information was operationalised.
At approximately 15:30, the operational team received confirmation that the suspects were at the identified lodge. Members approached the premises tactically and located two men inside one of the rooms.
The suspects were allegedly found in possession of a substantial quantity of explosives.
The suspects were travelling in a grey Hyundai i20, which was seized for further investigation.
The explosives recovered include 50 electric detonators, 80 blasting cartridges (Super Power 90 Zambia) and 32 connector cords, with an estimated street value of R130 000. Two cellular phones were also seized.
The Explosives Unit and Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) attended the scene and rendered the necessary specialist assistance.
The two suspects are facing charges of contravening the Explosives Act and the Immigration Act. A case has been opened at Nelspruit Police Station.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Nelspruit Magistrates’ Court once they have been formally charged.
The Provincial Head of the DPCI in Mpumalanga, Major General Nico Gerber, commended the multidisciplinary team for the swift response to the intelligence and the successful disruption of the alleged illegal possession of explosives.
