… Police intensify operations as murder suspects arrested, rape case cracked, and robbery investigations continuing
BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE- Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) has recorded significant progress in several serious criminal cases, including a murder arrest, multiple sexual offence breakthroughs, and an armed robbery investigation.
This is underscoring ongoing efforts to strengthen public safety and dismantle criminal activity across the country.
According to information released this week on their official social media pages, a number of breakthrough arrests and active investigations have been recorded across different police regions, reflecting intensified operations by REPS to combat serious and violent crime.
In Malkerns, police have arrested three male suspects aged 35, 32, and 29 of Ncabaneni in connection with the murder of a 39-year-old man of Velezizweni.
Preliminary investigations indicate that on June 18, 2026, at around 1800 hours, the deceased was found near a homestead where he was questioned by one of the suspects. The situation escalated when more suspects were called to the scene.
Police reports indicate that due to the victim’s mental state, he was unable to clearly communicate, and he was allegedly assaulted repeatedly with sticks by the suspects. He later succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
REPS has strongly condemned acts of mob justice and warned communities against taking the law into their own hands, emphasizing that investigations are ongoing as more suspects are being linked to the case.
In Siteki, police have made a breakthrough in a series of rape, attempted rape, and robbery cases after arresting a 32-year-old man of Maphungwane on June 18, 2026, at about 0400 hours.
The suspect has since appeared before the Siteki Magistrate’s Court and was remanded in custody until June 22, 2026.
Investigations reveal that the offences were committed between March and June 2026 in the KaShoba area, where the suspect allegedly targeted victims at night. Police have also recovered three mobile phones believed to have been stolen during robbery incidents linked to the case.
Meanwhile, in Hluthi, police are investigating an incident of sexual offence and have appealed to the public for assistance in locating a 35-year-old suspect, Mcondisi Dlamini of Nkoyoyo. Members of the public with information are urged to assist authorities.
In a separate case in Siteki, police are investigating a robbery that occurred on June 17, 2026, at around 1730 hours at Lubombo Mall.
A 23-year-old mobile money agent from Mahhuku was robbed of E31,720 at knife point by an unknown suspect while collecting cash from various outlets. The suspect fled the scene after the incident.
REPS has called on the public to provide any information that may assist in the ongoing investigations, reinforcing the importance of community cooperation in combating crime.
Across all cases, police have reiterated their commitment to ensuring justice and maintaining law and order, while encouraging residents to work closely with law enforcement through reporting suspicious activities.
#dismantlingcrimesyndicates #NaweUliPhoyisa #REPS #Sikhona
(Courtesy Pic)
