Manzini – The Royal Eswatini Police Service has arrested a 36 year old South African man in Manzini in connection with a case of theft by false pretences involving E270 000.
Police said the suspect allegedly defrauded a 60 year old man from Gundvwini after convincing him he could become a billionaire through an investment scheme. The incident occurred on January 21, 2026 at about 1300 hours in the Manzini area.
According to information released by police, the suspect approached the victim carrying a trunk purportedly filled with cash and claimed that a special chemical had to be purchased to facilitate the investment. Believing the proposal, the victim handed over E270 000 at Manzini City Centre. 
The matter resurfaced on February 22, 2026 when a friend of the victim who had been present during the transaction spotted the suspect in the Fairview area. The witness alerted community members, who responded and assaulted the suspect before handing him over to police.
The victim formally opened a case the same day. The suspect was expected to appear before the Manzini Magistrates’ Court today.
Police have urged members of the public to avoid taking the law into their own hands and to allow legal processes to unfold.
