2 SUSPECTS SHOT DEAD IN FOILED ROBBERY

MBABANE – A dramatic confrontation in Malkerns resulted in the death of two men, identified as Mncedisi Africa Mncina (24) of Nkhaba and Banele Dladla (23) of Shewula, who were fatally shot by police.

The incident, which occurred around 9pm near Sundowners in Malkerns, followed a reported tip-off to law enforcement regarding a planned armed robbery.

The two men were prime suspects in a string of violent crimes, including a brazen daylight robbery on March 2, 2025, at Emandla Wholesalers in Mbabane’s industrial site, where E200 000 was stolen.

Moreover, police linked them to a series of armed robberies, housebreakings and vehicle thefts that had plagued the Mbabane, Matsapha and Malkerns areas.

Confirmed

According to sources, the suspects died on the scene and their demise was confirmed by a medical practitioner at Mankayane Government Hospital, after being conveyed thereat by the police.  The suspects were found with two firearms and gloves at the scene, believed to be tools of their criminal trade.

They were wanted in connection with six specific cases: Two counts of housebreaking and theft, two counts of malicious injury to property, armed robbery and theft of a motor vehicle.

The pair was reportedly part of the five daring armed men who robbed and escaped with E200 000 during a daylight robbery at Emandla Wholesalers, situated at the industrial site, opposite Cash Build in Mbabane.

The robbery was carried out at approximately 2pm on March 2, 2025, when the robbers executed their meticulously planned heist.

It is reported that one member of the group scouted around the premises beforehand.

Upon entering the shop, the assailants brandished weapons and demanded a firearm from one of the businessmen.

They then proceeded to restrain the employees with cable ties. Of the 16 employees, only five were present at the time, and one sustained injuries, reportedly from the cable ties.

After seizing the cash, the robbers fled in a grey Toyota Allion, registration KSD 854 CH, heading towards Msunduza-Gobholo.

Eyewitnesses reported that the perpetrators also took the keys to a parked BMW, but abandoned the vehicle outside the shop.

During the commission of the armed robbery, police responded promptly, arriving at the scene to collect statements and evidence. Some officers pursued the criminals along the Msunduza route in a double-cab vehicle.  Witnesses and members of the community expressed their sympathy for the affected businessman, who stated that this was his first experience of such violence at his establishment.

He expressed concern regarding the apparent pre-planning involved in the robbery, questioning:
“How would they know I have a gun in the shop without inside information?” Notably, the CCTV system was undergoing repairs at the time, resulting in a lack of surveillance footage. Meanwhile, Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati confirmed the demise of the pair.

She said the pair was resisting arrest, as they were wanted for six criminal activities they had supposedly committed.

Each of them was said to be wanted for two cases of housebreaking and theft; two cases of malicious injury to property; armed robbery and theft of a motor vehicle. It is worth noting that the pair has taken the tally to four suspects killed by law enforcers this month.

The other two were shot and killed while reportedly resisting arrest for the murder of Thulani Jomo Nkambule.

The pair was Mbhunu Kwandza Moratele (30) and Mabotha Hlongwane (26). They were both from Gobholo and are said to have been fatally shot while resisting arrest at LaMgabhi, Etiyeni.

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