BY NOKWANDA DLAMINI (INTERN)
MBABANE – The Royal Eswatini Police Service is investigating two armed robbery incidents that occurred in the LaMgabhi area on the night of May 11, 2026, where two men were robbed at gunpoint after accepting lifts from unknown individuals in what is suspected to be a coordinated tactic targeting unsuspecting commuters.
Police in Bhunya have launched investigations into the incidents involving a 20-year-old man from KaZondwako and a 49-year-old man from Mhlanganeni, both of whom were allegedly lured by four armed suspects posing as helpful motorists. The victims were robbed of personal belongings, including mobile phones, cash and bank cards, with combined losses exceeding E13 000.
According to reports, the first incident occurred at around 2015 hours when the younger man accepted a lift in LaMgabhi, hoping to reach his destination quickly. Instead, he was confronted by the occupants, who produced a firearm and robbed him of property valued at E2 661 before abandoning him. Less than an hour later, at about 2100 hours, the second victim experienced a near-identical ordeal after accepting a lift in the same area, losing valuables worth E11 000.
For both men, the incidents were more than just criminal encounters they were deeply unsettling experiences marked by fear and betrayal. The simple act of trusting a stranger, often a necessity in areas with limited transport options, turned into a moment of vulnerability that neither anticipated.
Within the Bhunya community, the incidents have sparked concern and unease. Accepting lifts, a common and often essential practice for many residents, is now being viewed with caution as fears grow over a possible pattern of targeted attacks. The method used by the suspects suggests a calculated approach, preying on individuals who may have few alternatives for transport, particularly at night.
The Royal Eswatini Police Service has since confirmed that investigations are ongoing as efforts intensify to identify and apprehend the suspects. Authorities continue to urge members of the public to remain vigilant and avoid accepting lifts from unfamiliar individuals, as the community grapples with the unsettling reality that even acts of apparent kindness can conceal danger.
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