BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE– As the year draws to a close—a period historically associated with a rise in theft incidents—the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) is urging residents to remain vigilant and take extra precautions to safeguard their hard-earned savings, particularly those in savings groups, commonly known as stokvels.
The warning follows a recent incident in Nyonyane, where a 58-year-old woman discovered that her savings of E58 000, stored in a trunk, had been stolen. Deputy Chief Police Information and Communications Officer (PICO), Assistant Superintendent Nosipho Mnguni, confirmed that Lobamba police launched an investigation immediately after the theft, which occurred on October 12, 2025.
This is not an isolated case. In December 2023, a stokvel treasurer was arrested after staging a fake robbery, claiming to have been attacked and robbed of over E48 000. Investigations later revealed the deception, and the individual was charged with theft.
Similarly, in 2018, a woman from Sithobelweni was arrested for allegedly stealing E84 250 from a stokvel, highlighting the vulnerability of savings groups to internal theft. Reports in 2024 also revealed cases of stokvel members losing funds due to mismanagement and theft. In January 2025, another member disappeared with a significant portion of the group’s money, further emphasizing the risks associated with collective savings.
The REPS is using these incidents to advise all residents, especially stokvel members, to prioritize secure savings methods, such as digital banking platforms that protect against theft, scams, and mismanagement while offering peace of mind.
“Protecting your savings is not just about security—it is about safeguarding your future,” the REPS stated. “By embracing secure financial channels, communities can protect hard-earned money and contribute to a safer environment for everyone.”
Residents with information about the Nyonyane case are urged to contact Assistant Inspector Mndlovu at 7605 0352, Lobamba Police Station at 2416 1130, or the emergency numbers 999 / 9999 / 112.
(Courtesy Pic)
