BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE- The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) in Pigg’s Peak has opened an investigation into the alleged theft of more than E208 000 from a women-led savings and credit group, in a case that has underscored the importance of accountability in community-based financial initiatives.
According to Information gathered by police indicates that the savings group, comprising 53 women from the Mgululu area, was formed at the beginning of 2025 with the objective of promoting a culture of saving and mutual financial support.
The group appointed a treasurer from within the community and later opened a Mobile Money stokvel account to facilitate the monthly deposit of members’ contributions.
The initiative reportedly started on a positive note, with members consistently depositing their savings during the initial months. Challenges are said to have emerged around May when the treasurer stopped attending physical monthly meetings, opting instead to communicate with members remotely. Despite her absence, members continued sending their monthly contributions through digital platforms after being assured that the stokvel account was operating as expected.
In August, the treasurer allegedly attended a meeting and requested temporary possession of the mobile phone containing the Mobile Money SIM card, claiming she needed to charge it and would return it shortly. The phone was reportedly never returned, and it is further alleged that a SIM swap was conducted without the knowledge or consent of the group.
Concerns deepened in December when it was time to share the accumulated savings, but members reportedly faced repeated delays and explanations from the treasurer. This prompted the group to seek clarity on the status of their funds, leading to the discovery that E208 472.00 was missing from the stokvel account.
The matter was formally reported to the Royal Eswatini Police Service on January 8, 2026. A docket was opened at Pigg’s Peak Police Station, and investigations are currently ongoing. Police have indicated that investigators are working diligently to gather all relevant evidence to ensure that justice is served.
REPS has urged members of savings groups and stokvels to strengthen internal controls, maintain shared oversight of financial accounts, and regularly verify transactions to protect their savings. Investigations continue.
RoyalEswatiniPoliceService
#PoliceInvestigation#SavingsGroup#OverE200K
(Courtesy Pic)
