A former government accountant and her husband have been arrested and charged with multiple counts of fraud and contravening the Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011 in connection with transactions running into millions of Emalangeni.
The pair, Gcinokuhle Khanyisile Shabalala, a former Treasury Department accountant, and her spouse Bonginkhosi Dlamini, a businessman based in Matsapha, were arraigned following investigations by the Royal Eswatini Police Service Fraud and Commercial Unit.
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They are facing allegations of misrepresenting government financial transactions to divert large sums into private bank accounts over a three-year period.
Both accused have denied the allegations, insisting in sworn affidavits that they had no knowledge of fraudulent activity.
Court Appearance
The two appeared before Judge Bonginkhosi Magagula, represented by attorney Linda Dlamini. Bail was fixed at E15 000 each — E5 000 in cash and surety for the remainder.
In his affidavit, Dlamini narrated how he was summoned to appear before police investigators.
“On September 9, I received a call from members of the Royal Eswatini Police Service based at Hhohho Regional Headquarters under the Fraud and Commercial Unit to report to them on Thursday morning, September 11. I complied with the police summons and when I arrived there, the police interviewed me about certain transactions that took place whilst my wife was employed by the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini as an accountant at the Treasury Department,” he said.
Dlamini stated that he explained what he knew about the transactions before he was formally charged with six counts of fraud and six counts of contravening the Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism Act.
He appeared before the Mbabane Magistrate’s Court and was remanded into custody, pending directives from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.
Denials from the Accused
The businessman argued that he was implicated merely by association with his wife.
“I am the husband of Gcinokuhle Khanyisile Shabalala, who is the first accused herein. I am advised that the charges against me stem from the same alleged offences attributed to my wife. I vehemently deny any involvement in, or knowledge of, any fraudulent activities or money laundering offences. I maintain my innocence and assert that I have not committed any crime,” he said.
He stressed that he had never worked for government and was not privy to Treasury operations.
“I am not, nor have I ever been, employed by the Government of Eswatini. I have no knowledge of, or involvement in the internal workings of the government. I am a businessman running a business in Matsapha, Manzini region,” Dlamini submitted.
He added that, to the best of his knowledge, all transactions involving his companies were legitimate and conducted in the ordinary course of business. He said he had no reason to suspect that any of the funds received were tainted.
Charges Against Shabalala
Shabalala also filed an affidavit. She was charged with seven counts of fraud and seven counts of contravening the money laundering law.
She denied wrongdoing, asserting that she did not defraud government nor engage in money laundering activities. She further explained that the delay in the charges caused her confusion and distress.
According to the charge sheet, the couple acted jointly to misrepresent multiple financial transactions processed through the Central Bank of Eswatini.
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