BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE – What was meant to sweeten customers days allegedly turned into a bitter taste for a business, as five suspects are expected to appear before the Matsapha Circuit Court July 15, 2026 over the alleged theft of Hall’s sweets and Chappies worth E1.8 million from a warehouse in Matsapha.
According to a statement issued by the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), the suspects, aged 41, 38, 35, 34 and 30, were arrested following investigations into the disappearance of the stock. They are from Mankayane, Manzini, Nhlambeni and Zombodze.
Police said the matter was reported on July 11, 2026, by a 54-year-old man from Mhlaleni, who discovered that Hall’s sweets and Chappies valued at E1.8 million had allegedly been stolen from the warehouse. Preliminary investigations indicate that the theft is believed to have taken place over a six-month period, between January and June 2026.
Following the report, Matsapha Police immediately launched an investigation to determine how such a large quantity of stock had disappeared without being detected earlier. Detectives gathered evidence which allegedly pointed to the possible involvement of some employees working at the warehouse.
The investigation led to the arrest of two suspects on July 11, while detectives continued following other leads. Their investigations resulted in the arrest of three more suspects on July 14 at about 2pm, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to five.
The five suspects are scheduled to appear before the Matsapha Circuit Court today, where they are expected to face charges related to the alleged theft.
The Royal Eswatini Police Service said investigations are still ongoing as detectives continue gathering evidence and tracing any other people who may have participated in the alleged criminal activity. Police have not ruled out further arrests.
REPS urged members of the public to continue reporting criminal activities and providing information that can assist investigators. The service said public cooperation remains vital in dismantling criminal syndicates, protecting businesses and ensuring that offenders are brought before the courts.
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