house about 2yrs later
of the relatives, Robert Sithebe stated that he was not comfortable speaking on the matter and was still engaging the police. Robert said he was busy attending to his brother’s case and consulting with the police. He stated that he would be able to give a comment once he was done assisting the police.
The wife to the deceased was also reached by this publication to give clarity on the matter, but elected not to comment.
“My husband of 30 years had been missing and was discovered on Monday. Put yourself in my situation,” she said briefly.
The wife said she was still grieving and had not even spoken to the family yet.
The late businessman was an experienced sugar, ethanol bio-energy manufacturing specialist.
Royal Eswatini Sugar (RES) Corporation Group Public Affairs Manager Sifiso Nyembe said Sithebe joined the then RSSC during his youthful years and developed his career within the company. He cut his teeth as a young engineer at the Simunye factory and progressed to be general manager (GM) manufacturing before ending up as GM strategy. In 2015, he took early retirement and left RES Corporation. Nyembe said the news of his demise cut deep in his former colleagues across the business,which spent many memorable years with him. “We send our condolences to his family during this tragic moment,” he said.
Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati said Sithebe was reported missing about two years ago at Lobamba Police Station, and he was not found until what was believed to be his remains was discovered on Monday.
Assistance
Vilakati said through the assistance of the neighbours, they were able to find his remains. When asked if the police suspected any element of crime in the death of Sithebe, Vilakati said that would be determined by the ongoing investigations.
It was gathered that the house where the remains were found was not often used by the family.
At the time when Sithebe was reported missing, he was residing around the Ezulwini area, hence the case was reported at Lobamba.
However, information gathered from sources was to the effect that the police had visited the family homestead at Dalriach but at the time, did not find anything amiss.
“It’s unclear if they did a thorough search of the house though,” the source said.