THE 20 wanted suspects allegedly linked to a plot to disrupt the ongoing Incwala are said to have links to some accused who were arrested for the 2021 unrest, it has been revealed.
The 20 are also said to have links with arrested Mbabane businessman Welile Zweli Dlamini for contravening the Terrorism Act.
Highly placed sources have alleged that the 20 most wanted suspects were being identified through information provided by individuals who were arrested during the 2021 unrest.
On Monday, the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) released a list of the wanted men saying it was in connection with a string of organised crimes including murder and attempted murder.
“Most of the wanted men were part of the Swaziland International Solidarity Forces, which included Phakamani Magagula, who was employed by His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS),” a source alleged.
The source further claimed that some of the information leading to the identification of the suspects may have originated from individuals who were arrested and imprisoned during the political unrest that rocked the country in 2021.
HMCS Deputy Public Relations Officer Assistant Chief Officer Baphelele Kunene said he was uncertain whether HMCS was the appropriate institution to comment on the matter.
“I am not sure if HMCS is the rightful institution to comment on the matter because the 20 wanted men were published by the REPS. They do not have any relationship with HMCS as yet,” Kunene said.
Kunene added that HMCS does not have insight into how the police conduct their investigations or the extent to which such investigations go. He emphasised that the correct authority to comment on the matter was REPS, as it is responsible for investigations.
Deputy Police Information and Communications Officer Assistant Superintendent Nosipho Mnguni said the REPS could not detail the crimes the wanted suspects are said to have committed.
However, she confirmed that some of the suspects were wanted in relation to crimes that were committed during the years 2021–2022 unrest, including the burning of properties and other crimes beyond that period.
Meanwhile, People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) spokesperson Brian Sangweni claimed to know some of the wanted men, adding that they had been publicised before by REPS as wanted suspects.
“PUDEMO has no bearing on the ongoing Incwala and to target the people attending the ceremony,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dlamini was charged with multiple offences, including contravening the Suppression of Terrorism Act, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, and possession of an explosive device.
In court, the prosecution told the court that investigations revealed that Dlamini had departed the country through the Ngwenya Border Gate on December 18 and returned on December 20 using the same border gate.
The timing of his movements, the State submitted, raised serious concern, given the intelligence about the alleged planned attack.
RELATED | PLAN TO DISRUPT INCWALA: Cops looking for 20 more suspects
Upon his return, police are said to have closely monitored his movements as part of a broader intelligence operation aimed at preventing what the Crown described as an imminent threat to public safety.
The prosecution told the court that upon arrival at the premises, police officers identified themselves to the accused and cautioned him in terms of the Judges’ Rules.
He was then conveyed to the Manzini Regional Police Headquarters for further investigations.
It was submitted that during the course of the investigations, the accused led police back to his residence, where he pointed out and handed over various items allegedly found in his possession.
These items, according to the State, include a Glock 19 pistol loaded with a magazine containing 15 live rounds of ammunition, an extra magazine also loaded with 15 live rounds, a magazine of an R4 rifle loaded with 20 live rounds, 26 live rounds of .38 calibre revolver ammunition, an additional 38 live rounds of ammunition and an M26 hand grenade.
In total, police recovered 114 live rounds of ammunition of different calibres.
Dlamini made his maiden appearance at the High Court before Judge Justice Mavuso, who remanded him in custody.
The proceedings were conducted under heavy security, with armed plain-clothes police officers deployed inside and outside the courtroom.
The contingent of police officers who brought Dlamini to court was led by seasoned investigators Thabo Hlophe and Derrick Makhanya.
He appeared in leg irons and remained under close guard throughout the proceedings.
His attorney, Wandile Maseko, was present in court.
Amongst his charges, Dlamini is charged under Section 5(2) of the Suppression of Terrorism Act, 2008, which criminalises unlawful possession of explosives or terror-related literature and carries up to 15 years’ imprisonment.
He is further charged under the Explosives Act, 1961, for allegedly possessing an M26 hand grenade on December 22, near Matsapha State Warehouse staff houses, with intent to injure persons or damage property.
