2 SUSPECTED ‘FACATA’ SCAM MASTERMINDS ARRESTED AT LODGE

MBABANE - As police deepen their investigation into the widespread ‘facata’ scam, two key figures suspected to be the masterminds behind these crimes have been arrested.

The 24-year-old and 32-year-old suspects were apprehended at a luxurious lodge in the Lubombo Region, where they were enjoying the spoils of their alleged criminal activities.
This takes the number of suspects who have been arrested for the ‘facata’ scam to 34. Through the ‘facata’ scam, countless individuals have been defrauded millions of Emalangeni. These offences are committed through sophisticated electronic means.The scammers supposedly trick their victims into entering information on their cellphones, allowing the scammers to remotely withdraw money from their Mobile Money (MoMo) and bank accounts.

Ringleaders

The recent arrest of the alleged ringleaders marks a crucial step in dismantling this criminal network. Acting on a tip-off from the public, police executed a well-coordinated raid on the lodge. Upon arrest, the suspects were found in possession of alcohol and they were accompanied by two women. As investigations intensify, authorities anticipate more arrests and expect to uncover the full extent of the scam’s reach and the intricate methods employed by the syndicate. Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati, confirmed the arrest of the duo. They are set to make their maiden court appearance at the Manzini Magistrates Court in due course. It has been revealed that a warrant of arrest was issued against one of the suspects by the Manzini Magistrates Court.

Prior to his arrest, he was already on the police radar. Authorities believe that the two men were the linchpins in the ‘facata’ scam and their arrest will lead to the detention of more individuals involved in this criminal operation. Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. During the early stages of the operation of the ‘facata’ scam syndicate,  a female traditional healer (inyanga) from KaBhudla, under Mafutseni Constituency in the Manzini Region, was found with cash amounting to E30 000.  The money is suspected to be part of a sum of E234 000, which the ‘facata’ scam suspects defrauded a Matsapha businessman, through cybercrime.

Some of the scammers are facing 28 counts and others over 40. The offences involve contravening the Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (Prevention) Act of 2011, theft by false pretences, as well as the Prevention of Organised Crime Act of 2018. The amount, which they supposedly defrauded the unsuspecting members of the public, amounted to E955 691.73 - according to their charge sheets. Some of the suspects: Lindelwa Fana Mbingo (19) of Thulwane, Celumusa Mdumseni Msibi (27) of Sithobelweni, Nhlanhla Maseko (21) of Thulwane, Wakhile Felix Mtsetfwa (19) of Thulwane, Sandile Wandile Matsenjwa (30) of KaBhudla, Wakhile Sanele Mamba (19) of Thulwane and Sipho Neliswa Mbingo (21) of Thulwane. Others include Nkosikhona Fisokuhle Maziya (24) of KaBhudla and Siyabonga Sakhile Ndlovu (22) of KaBhudla. Gcina Ndlovu (21) of KaBhudla and Mbongeni Bongani Maphalala (22) of Thulwane were also conjoined to the crimes, charged with theft by false pretences. One of the six suspects to be recently arrested is a 48-year-old man of Thulwane and it is alleged that he harboured some of the ‘facata’ scam suspects.

Appearance

Nkosinathi Emmanuel Thomo made his maiden appearance before Manzini Principal Magistrate Florence Msibi last week. He is facing three counts, which include that of contravening the Prevention of Organised Crime Act of 2018, the Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (Prevention) Act of 2011, as well as theft by false pretences. According to sources, Thomo was purportedly harbouring some of the suspects involved in the ‘facata’ scam at his residential home at Thulwane.  On the other hand, according to the charge sheet, in the first count, the accused person, being a member of a criminal gang involved in criminal activities, allegedly obtained and stole E12 000 from Fikile Sifundza in June 2024.

The incident is said to have happened at Mhlumeni, in the Lubombo Region. For this offence, he reportedly contravened Section 5 (1) (a) (b) and Section 5 (2) (a), (b) and (c), as read with Section 6 (1) and (b) of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act of 2018. In the second count, he reportedly defrauded Sifundza a sum of E12 000. It is said he supposedly posed as someone who was removing hacking viruses from her cellphone and MTN Eswatini MoMo account.  In the process, it is alleged that he purportedly induced her to provide him with her MTN Eswatini MoMo credentials. According to the charge sheet, this offence happened in June 2024, at Mhlumeni, in the Lubombo Region.

Reason

In the third count, it is alleged that Thomo contravened the Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (Preventive) Act of 2011 on June 6, 2024 and October 25, 2024, while he was reportedly using money which had been obtained through the commission of an offence, while knowing or having reason to believe that the cash had been gained through criminal offences. During his appearance before the Manzini principal magistrate yesterday, the accused person’s right to legal representation was explained and he chose to hire the services of an attorney. He was remanded in custody until November 6, 2024, pending committal to the High Court.

On another note, the source highlighted that more arrests are expected as the suspects who are already in custody, are cooperating with the police in their investigations.  In fact, he said the arrest of six suspects on Monday and yesterday, was a result of the cooperation received by the investigating officers from the suspects, who are already in custody.

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