The family of Thandeka Mamba, who had been on the police wanted list for nearly a week, surrendered her to the Manzini Police Station yesterday afternoon.
This development brings a significant turn in a case that has drawn public attention since the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) issued an alert seeking her whereabouts.
ALSO READ | Mbabane Day to move to spring for better weather
According to REPS, the suspect was handed over by her relatives after ongoing efforts by the police to locate her. She was immediately taken into custody upon arrival at the station.
The police confirmed the arrest through an official statement released on their Facebook page and assured the public that due process was underway.
Arrest
Deputy Police Information and Communications Officer (PICO) Assistant Superintendent Nosipho Mnguni verified the arrest and shared brief details regarding the next steps.
“The case was reported at the Manzini Police Station, so the family surrendered her there,” Mnguni stated.
She further confirmed that Mamba was expected to make her first court appearance today, where formal charges would be presented.
…Teachers still await promised Moz trip
A year later, eight teachers from a Mbabane School are still waiting for a weekend trip to Mozambique promised by suspected fraudster Thandeka Mamba.
Each teacher had paid E1 500 to the so-called ‘travel agent’, who was wanted by the police after allegedly defrauding 17 bankers last week. The bankers, who collectively paid E131 040 in installments had believed they were securing a fully organised cruise package covering travel, accommodation, and logistics in Durban. However, Mamba reportedly left them stranded and her alleged deception has added to an increasing number of victims.
The teacher responsible for collecting the money on behalf of her colleagues explained that the trip was originally scheduled for last year in November.
“The trip was cancelled at the eleventh hour due to the mounted protests against the 2024 Mozambican general election. Since then, Thandeka kept promising us the trip, but even though the unrest has long been resolved, there is still no trip,” she said.
READ MORE | Another 30 victims in travel scam
She added that she had repeatedly tried to contact Mamba for a refund after the trip never materialised.
“It really shocked us to learn in the newspapers and social media that Thandeka is now wanted by the police for a similar case.
I even met her in town once, and she continued making false promises. We trusted her because she presented herself confidently as someone experienced in organising such trips,” the teacher said.
The teachers have since reported the matter to Mbabane police.
“I went to the police to report the matter,” she confirmed.
Deputy Police Information Communications Officer (PICO), Assistant Superintendent Nosipho Mnguni, stated that more people were coming forward claiming they paid for trips organised by Mamba.
“It seems there are many victims who have been conned. Police are ready to assist victims where they need guidance,” she said, urging anyone with information to report to their nearest station.
Eswatini Observer Press Reader | View Here
