BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE- The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) has issued an urgent appeal for public assistance in tracing Lungelo Malinga of Zombodze, who is wanted in connection with the kidnapping of a 42-year-old man from Mnyamatsini.
According to a police statement released on their official social media platforms on January 19, 2026, Malinga is part of a group of suspects linked to the January 3 abduction. During that incident, the victim was reportedly forcibly taken, assaulted and later coerced into transferring money through an eWallet transaction.
Police say investigations into the kidnapping are ongoing and progressing steadily. One suspect was arrested last week, while other accomplices remain at large. Authorities have raised concern about what they describe as a growing trend of more calculated kidnappings aimed at financial extortion. REPS has urged citizens to remain vigilant and to support law enforcement efforts by reporting any suspicious activity.
In a separate incident, police are also investigating an armed robbery that occurred at Logoba in the Matsapha area on Friday, January 16, 2026, at around 8:00pm.
In that case, a 25-year-old shop owner was robbed of an iPhone 13 Pro Max valued at E12 000 and E3 000 in cash. The victim was reportedly preparing to close his shop when six men, allegedly armed with a pistol, entered and demanded money and the cellphone. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported during the robbery.
Police have reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of all Emaswati. They continue to intensify operations to track down criminal elements and bring them before the courts.
For anyone who may have information that could assist in the arrest of Lungelo Malinga or the suspects involved in the Logoba armed robbery, REPS has urged the public to contact the numbers provided in the official police infographics.
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(Courtesy Pic)
