MANZINI – Investigations into the alleged extortion of businesspeople by police officers have led to the arrest of three suspects.
The trio comprises Wandile Mlilo (35) from Zombodze Emuva under Chief Nkondlo, Zama Mhlanga (47) from Nhlangano – Emakhosini, under Chief Malambe and Simanga Dlamini. They collectively face 16 charges of extortion and violations of Section 28 of the Prevention of Corruption Act 3/2006 as read with Section 35(2).
Mlilo was represented by Lawyer Mongezi Mchiza, while Lawyer Thabiso Mavuso represented Mhlanga. Dlamini chose to represent himself.
During their appearance before Manzini Principal Magistrate Florence Msibi yesterday, the Crown, represented by Prosecutor Mlindzi, made three applications. One of these was to withdraw the charges against Dlamini. The prosecutor also applied to amend the charge sheet. Both applications were successful, resulting in only the first two accused facing charges.
Mlilo, who was arrested on Monday, is linked to all 16 charges, while Mhlanga, arrested on Tuesday, is implicated in only six of them. The total amount involved in the cases is E5 350, as they allegedly extorted money from businesspeople ranging from as little as E50 to E1 500.
According to the charge sheet, their modus operandi involved allegedly approaching businessmen with claims that their business documents, particularly their trading licences, were either improper or had expired. Instead of following proper procedures, the officers allegedly demanded money to overlook these supposed violations and avoid legal action.
For instance, in count one; Mlilo faces a charge of extortion. It is alleged that in March 2025, while at Super Price Supermarket in the Manzini Region, he, knowing that he was a Constable employed by the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), instilled fear in Mohammed Abdul Farnad, a Bangladeshi national, by threatening to arrest him for violating the Trading Licences Act unless he paid him a sum of E400.
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