NOTORIOUS THUG SHOT DEAD BY COPS

A 32-year-old man who was wanted in connection with a string of housebreaking cases committed around Mbabane was allegedly shot dead by police on Sunday night in Msunduza after attempting to flee arrest.

Neliswa Malaza was linked to approximately 30 separate housebreaking incidents.

The incident occurred on Sunday evening while Malaza was reportedly drinking with friends in the Msunduza area.

Police are said to have acted on a tip-off from members of the public who allegedly spotted him and alerted law enforcement to his whereabouts.

“Having received the tip-off, police responded promptly as he was on their wanted list,” a source claimed.

It is alleged that Malaza became suspicious while socialising and decided to leave the crowd. However, upon stepping outside, police confronted him.

Officers reportedly instructed him several times to surrender, but he allegedly attempted to flee on foot, prompting a chase.

“He failed to comply with police orders after their encounter. He tried to run away, was pursued, and during the chase, officers opened fire,” the source alleged.

Malaza was reportedly shot in the back of the head during the pursuit and died at the scene.

According to police reports, Malaza targeted residential areas including Thembelihle, Dalriach, Beverly Hills and Fonteyn, allegedly stealing valuable household items.

“We suspect that he would steal the valuables and sell them outside the country. We understand that he was wanted in connection with 30 cases of housebreaking,” a source stated.

Malaza had recently been arrested in connection with a housebreaking incident at Mbangweni, where property including two iPhone 17 devices, a laptop, clothing and cash were stolen.

He was arrested last Friday but reportedly escaped from police custody on Saturday morning — a day before the fatal shooting. Police had been searching for him following the escape.

News of his death sparked mixed reactions among Mbabane residents. Social media platforms, particularly Facebook, were abuzz following the shooting.

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Some residents expressed relief, alleging that he had committed numerous thefts over a prolonged period.

Residents from affected areas claimed he had previously been arrested multiple times for similar offences but was released, arguing that the bail system had failed them.

One Thembelihle resident wrote on Facebook that although death was painful, they felt relieved and believed they would now enjoy peaceful nights, alleging they had suffered repeated losses.

However, others called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the shooting to ensure proper procedures were followed.

Deputy Police Information and Communications Officer Assistant Superintendent Nosipho Mnguni confirmed the shooting.

“I can confirm that he was wanted by the police for numerous housebreaking cases. However, I cannot share much detail surrounding his shooting,” she said.