Image: Some of the blasting cartridges recovered during the Hawks-led operation in Nelspruit.
wo men were arrested in Nelspruit after they were allegedly found in possession of explosives with an estimated street value of R130 000 during an intelligence-driven operation on Friday, 4 September 2026.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) said the suspects, a 37-year-old undocumented foreign national and a 36-year-old South African citizen, were arrested during a multidisciplinary operation led by the Hawks’ Nelspruit Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit.
The operation was supported by National Crime Intelligence, Fidelity Security Services Head Office, Fairview Mine and the Illicit Mining Operation Vikela Barberton.
According to the Hawks, information was received that two men allegedly in possession of explosives would be near a lodge along the R40 in Nelspruit.
At approximately 15:30, the operational team received confirmation that the suspects were at the identified lodge. Members approached the premises and found two men inside one of the rooms.
Image: Electric detonators and connector cords seized during the operation. The recovered explosives had an estimated street value of R130 000.
Police allegedly recovered a substantial quantity of explosives, including:
- 50 electric detonators
- 80 Super Power 90 Zambia blasting cartridges
- 32 connector cords
The explosives have an estimated street value of R130 000.
Two cellular phones were also seized, while a grey Hyundai i20 allegedly used by the suspects was confiscated for further investigation.
The Explosives Unit and Local Criminal Record Centre attended the scene to provide specialist assistance.
The suspects face charges relating to the Explosives Act and Immigration Act, and a case was opened at the Nelspruit Police Station.
The Hawks said the suspects are expected to appear in the Nelspruit Magistrates’ Court once formally charged.
Mpumalanga Hawks Provincial Head Major General Nico Gerber commended the multidisciplinary team for its swift response and the successful disruption of the alleged illegal possession of explosives.