BY NOMTHANDAZO MAYISELA (INTERN)
MANKAYANE – Police have since disclosed that E460 170 was involved in yesterday’s failed Eswatini Bank ATM heist in Mankayane, where five suspects were arrested on March 30, 2026 following a swift operation that led to the full recovery of the stolen money.
The suspects, aged between 27 and 48 from South Africa, along with a 36-year-old man from Mozambique, allegedly carried out the armed robbery at about 0110 hours, targeting an Eswatini Bank ATM and security officers on duty. During the incident, the officers were robbed of their cell phones and E220, highlighting the risks faced by personnel protecting public facilities.
Police confirmed that the suspects were found in possession of a 9mm pistol, 12 live rounds of ammunition without a licence, and explosives, indicating a well-planned and dangerous operation. One of the suspects, a 40-year-old man from Msinga in KwaZulu-Natal, has also been linked to a previous ATM bombing in Mpaka.
The disclosure of the total amount involved has shed more light on the scale of the attempted robbery, with authorities noting that such incidents are often linked to organised cross-border criminal syndicates targeting cash points. Law enforcement agencies continue to intensify efforts to curb ATM-related crimes and safeguard communities.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Manzini Magistrate’s Court on April 1, 2026, facing multiple charges including armed robbery, malicious injury to property, possession of explosives, and violations of the Arms and Ammunition Act.
Police described the arrests as a significant breakthrough, noting that the recovery of the full amount and the apprehension of the suspects have helped restore calm and confidence in the Mankayane community.
#DismantlingCrimeSyndicates #NaweUliPhoyisa #Sikhona #REPS
