Times Of Swaziland: ‘DD’ SUSPECT STEALS OVER E12K CASH, VALUABLES AT COP SHOP

‘DD’ SUSPECT STEALS OVER E12K CASH, VALUABLES AT COP SHOP
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Sibusiso Shange on 06/02/2025 09:38:00


Mbabane – Just six hours after walking free on bail for drink-driving, a man
has committed the audacious crime of stealing from the very police station that
held him. Sifiso Calvin Dhlamini, suspected to be connected to South African law
enforcement, allegedly swiped over E12 000 worth of cash and valuables from the
Mbabane Police Station, leaving officers red-faced and the public stunned.
Dhlamini’s brazen act unfolded shortly after he posted E1 000 bail at the
Mbabane Magistrates Court. While waiting for his release, he was held at the
Mbabane Police Station.
It is alleged that he took advantage of a moment when the jailer was busy taking
statements from other suspects, breaking into a secure box containing
detainees’ belongings. His haul included E8 573 in cash, a Samsung Galaxy A03,
a Redmi R12 cellphones and keys.  However, his freedom was short-lived.  A
search of the station uncovered Dhlamini asleep in a cell designated for female
detainees, the stolen goods tucked away in his pockets and wallet. In court,
Dhlamini pleaded guilty to the theft.  Constable Nelisiwe Shongwe, the
prosecution’s key witness, testified that the stolen items were in her custody
and belonged to other detainees.  She pinpointed the time of the theft to around
5pm, just after Dhlamini’s bail
Hearing.
Dhlamini offered a flimsy defence, claiming the items were given to him by two
other detainees and that some of the recovered cash belonged to them.  Constable
Shongwe firmly refuted this, stating that everything was found in Dhlamini’s
possession.The prosecution argued for a harsh sentence, emphasising the gravity
of the crime, particularly its location – a police station – and the breach
of trust involved.  Dhlamini, in his own defence, conceded that he couldn’t
deny the evidence, as the stolen items were indeed found on him. Magistrate
Lenhle Zulu delivered a scathing verdict, stating that Dhlamini’s guilt had
been convincingly proven.  She highlighted the sheer audacity of the crime,
committed under the very noses of law enforcement and acknowledged the potential
repercussions for the jailer.  Dhlamini was sentenced to five years imprisonment
with an option of a fine of E7 000.
Appearance
Adding another layer of intrigue, Dhlamini consulted with a team of lawyers
shortly before his court appearance, but chose to represent himself. 
Furthermore, discrepancies emerged regarding his place of origin.  During his
drink-driving hearing, he was listed as Sifiso Dhlamini (40) of Mbhuleni in
Matsapha.  However, in the theft case, he appeared as Sifiso Calvin Dhlamini
(39) of Randburg, South Africa. This bizarre incident has raised serious
questions about security protocols and internal oversight at the Mbabane Police
Station.  It has also sparked debate on the need for stricter measures to
prevent similar incidents and safeguard the property of those in custody.  One
thing is certain:  Dhlamini’s actions have left a stain on the reputation of
the police and a lingering sense of disbelief.