MBABANE – The National Commissioner of Police, Vusi Masango, has been praised for rewarding the man who apprehended Michael Hlatjwako, who was wanted for the kidnapping and murder of Tifezile Gwebu.
The reward, which was announced on July 3, 2025, went to Naphtal Ndlela (46) of Tibondzeni. However, some members of the public felt that it should be shared with the woman who raised the alarm after spotting Hlatjwako.
Tifezile was an eight-year-old girl from Jericho, whose lifeless body was found mutilated at Hlatjwako’s homestead a few days after she went missing in the area.
The girl was reportedly last seen on her way to the shop with her friends. Hlatjwako, who had been among the most wanted suspects on the police list, had been on the run for six months, since the primary school pupil went missing.
However, his freedom ended when Ndlela apprehended him; acting swiftly after receiving information that Hlatjwako was seen roaming around his home area, heading towards Nyangamtsakatsi Mountain. It has been reported that Ndlela stepped on a rock, where Hlatjwako was hiding.
In an interview with the publication, Ndlela testified that he threatened Hlatjwako, telling him he could kill him if he offered any resistance, as he was about to call someone to fetch him with a motor vehicle. It has been reported that Hlatjwako cooperated with Ndlela, which led to his arrest and transfer to the Jericho Police Post.
His bravery and commitment were rewarded yesterday by Masango, who announced the reward on July 3, 2025.
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More charges to be added – Manoma
MBABANE – The National Commissioner of Police, Vusi Manoma Masango, says additional charges will be brought against Michael Hlatjwako, who is accused of kidnapping and killing Tifezile Gwebu.
During a press conference held yesterday at the Hhohho Regional Police Headquarters, Masango stated that police investigations indicated that Hlatjwako committed more crimes while in hiding.
He noted that many people had positively identified stolen items after Hlatjwako led police to various scenes in Jericho, Hosea, and Mhlosheni.
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Beheading suspect’s drastic physical change shocks
BY GCINILE PHUNGWAYO
NHLANGANO – The court appearance of the man accused of beheading a eight-year-old girl sent tongues wagging about his changed physical stature since he was posted as a wanted person.
The most popular comment was that Michael Hlatjwako was posted in notices showing pictures of a light skinned chubby man in public notices in May 2025. However, when he appeared at the Nhlangano Magistrates Court, all these attributes were no longer visible. He was light brown and deshevelled, wearing torn jeans.
Hlatjwako of Jericho, who is accused of the brutal murder of eight-year-old Tifezile Gwebu, was apprehended on Monday and subsequently appeared in court yesterday.
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… soldier claims key role in arrest
MBABANE – The apprehension of Michael Hlatjwako, who has been wanted for the kidnapping and murder of Tifezile Gwebu, has been linked to claims made by a soldier who asserts he played a significant role in the arrest.
Moses Dlamini (46), based at Phocweni Army Barracks, claims that had it not been for his actions – specifically, hacking the suspect, Michael Hlatjwako, on the left hand, following an alleged break-in – the arrest would not have been possible.
Dlamini stated that Hlatjwako, now an accused person, broke into his home by entering through a window while he was inside on the night of November 2, 2025. He told this publication that upon realising Hlatjwako’s presence, he (Hlatjwako) attempted to stab him with a sharp knife and also tried to attack him with a bush knife.
*Full article available in our publication
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