‘Macheda’ fined for posing as police officer

MBABANE – Former Manzini Wanderers player Mayibongwe Mlipha from Mpholi, Manzini, has been slapped with a E2 000 fine.

Mlipha, who currently plays for Fairview Chiefs in the Manzini Super League and has previously had stints with Mbabane Citizens and Midas City, appeared before Magistrate Philisiwe Simelane yesterday. He was charged for contravening Section 69(1)(a) of the Police Act 22 of 2018. After his rights were read to him, he confirmed he was ready for trial.

The court heard that two days ago, near the Mavuso Sports Centre, the offender unlawfully presented himself as a senior police officer of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS). Mlipha reportedly committed the act in the presence of Constable Mthobisi Simelane, despite knowing he was not a member of the force.

Appearing at the Manzini Magistrates Court, he pleaded guilty to the charge. In mitigation, he expressed remorse, explaining that he had recently lost his job at a financial institution and was his family’s sole breadwinner.

“ I’m the breadwinner for my family and have minor children in school to care for. What happened was a mistake, and it will never happen again,” he stated.

Magistrate Simelane sentenced him to 20 months imprisonment, with the option of a E2 000 fine.

The incident occurred alongside scenes of chaos at Mavuso on Sunday, which led to the abandonment of the Ingwenyama Cup Last 16 match between Mbabane Highlanders and Nsingizini Hotspurs. Police were forced to intervene after Highlanders fans invaded the pitch and manhandled FIFA-accredited referee Celumusa Siphepho, sending his assistants into a full sprint following what fans perceived as poor officiating.