SITEKI – The 58-year-old Shewula man arrested after a cow carcass was found inside an abandoned Honda Fit has now been charged with stock theft.
The accused, Themba Mnisi, appeared before Magistrate Lungile Shongwe at the Siteki Magistrates Court yesterday, where he faced a charge of stock theft.
Mnisi, from Tincumatsini in Shewula is accused of stealing a grey cow valued at E13 500 at Nkalashane Sisa Ranch.
The charge sheet states that the alleged offence occurred on or about September 29, 2026, at Nkalashane Sisa Ranch in Lubombo.
It alleges that Mnisi did unlawfully and intentionally steal a grey cow ear tag 396/00078 valued at E13 500 and thereby contravened the Stock Theft Act.
Mnisi is the same suspect who was arrested on Tuesday night following the discovery of a cow carcass inside an abandoned Honda Fit at Mhlume.
The incident began on Sunday when traffic officers on patrol along the Maphiveni–Tambankulu Public Road reportedly spotted a stationary Honda Fit with two occupants.
When the officers approached the vehicle, the driver allegedly sped off, prompting a pursuit.
The occupants later abandoned the vehicle at Mhlume and fled on foot.
A subsequent search of the Honda Fit reportedly led to the discovery of a cow carcass in the back seat.
Police launched an investigation following the discovery, which resulted in the arrest of Mnisi at Shewula at about 8.15pm on Monday.
However, the court proceedings recorded Mnisi before the Siteki Magistrates Court under Criminal Case No. 142/2026, where the stock theft charge was formally placed before court.
The court explained and apprised Mnisi of his legal right to representation and his right to obtain or hire the services of an attorney.
The Crown informed the court that E.M. Mamba had tendered in Crown and was acting as defence counsel for the accused.
The Crown further informed the court that the defence counsel had agreed to prepare a statement of facts and that the trial should be set for October 5, 2026.
The matter was consequently postponed to October 5, 2026, for trial.
The Crown also informed the court that the matter would be recalled as the prosecution intended to move an application for the detention of the motor vehicle, cattle and cellphone.
The matter remains pending and is scheduled for trial.
The second person who allegedly fled from the Honda Fit remains at large, according to police.
Police also indicated that their investigation was continuing and that Mnisi could potentially be linked to other stock theft cases.
The latest court development places the alleged theft of the E13 500 cow at the centre of the case involving the abandoned vehicle and carcass.
Stock theft remains a major concern for rural communities and livestock farmers in Eswatini, with stolen livestock affecting household income and investment in the livestock sector.
The Times of Eswatini reported in December 2025 that livestock worth more than E20.57 million had been stolen between January and October that year. Cattle, goats and pigs were among the animals commonly targeted.
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