Two Arrested After R130,000 Explosives Haul Seized in Nelspruit
Viable News Team 
Two men have been arrested in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, after the Hawks allegedly found a large quantity of explosives during an intelligence-driven operation.
The suspects, aged 37 and 36, were arrested on Friday, 4 September 2026, during an operation involving the Hawks’ Nelspruit Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit and several other law enforcement and security partners.
Explosives found at R40 lodge
According to the Hawks, the operation followed information received from National Crime Intelligence that two men allegedly in possession of explosives would be in the area of a lodge along the R40 in Nelspruit.
At about 3:30pm, investigators received confirmation that the suspects were at the identified lodge. Officers went to the premises and found the two men inside a room.
Police allege that the men were in possession of a substantial quantity of explosives.
The seized items included:
- 50 electric detonators
- 80 blasting cartridges, identified as Super Power 90 Zambia
- 32 connector cords
The explosives have an estimated street value of R130,000. Two cellphones were also seized.
Vehicle seized for investigation
The suspects were reportedly travelling in a grey Hyundai i20, which was also seized by investigators as part of the ongoing investigation.
The Hawks’ Explosives Unit and the Local Criminal Record Centre attended the scene to provide specialist assistance.
The operation was supported by National Crime Intelligence, Fidelity Security Services Head Office, Fairview Mine and the Illicit Mining Operation Vikela Barberton.
Suspects face explosives and immigration charges
The 37-year-old suspect is described by authorities as an undocumented foreign national, while the second suspect is a 36-year-old South African citizen.
The two men face charges relating to alleged contraventions of the Explosives Act and Immigration Act. A case has been opened at Nelspruit Police Station.
They are expected to appear in the Nelspruit Magistrates’ Court once they have been formally charged.
Hawks welcome successful operation
Mpumalanga DPCI Provincial Head Major General Nico Gerber praised the multidisciplinary team for acting quickly on the intelligence.
The Hawks said the operation successfully disrupted the alleged illegal possession of explosives.
Investigations into the matter are continuing. The suspects remain innocent until proven guilty in court.
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