BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE – The Royal Eswatini Police Service has arrested a 44-year-old man from Mpaka in connection with the theft of 30 Bizhub Konica Minolta photocopying machines valued at E600 000, which went missing on January 3, 2026.
The theft occurred during a routine equipment exchange after the company had recently replaced 100 machines at Mhlume. The suspect, a technician with the company, was part of the team tasked with collecting the old units. However, only 70 of the machines were returned, leaving 30 units unaccounted for.
Concerns over the missing machines prompted the company to launch its own investigation. During this process, one of the stolen units was spotted being advertised on social media, prompting the company to report the matter to the police.
Following a thorough investigation, the Royal Eswatini Police Service identified the technician as the main suspect. During his arrest, authorities recovered 12 of the stolen machines, highlighting the effectiveness and dedication of the police in protecting businesses and community property.
The suspect is scheduled to appear before Mbabane Magistrate’s Court to face the charges. The recovery of a significant number of the machines reassures the public that collaboration between law enforcement and businesses can successfully combat theft and safeguard valuable resources.
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