ͳͲͲ ”‘„„‡”‹‡•

MBABANE – Two men have been arrested in connection with housebreaking with intent to steal and theft committed in restaurants and cellular phone shops in Mbabane.

Melusi Msimisi Vilane (32) of Nurse’s Home and Sisekelo Jiyane (20) of Sigangeni appeared before Mbabane Magistrate Chazile Thwala, charged with five counts yesterday.

The duo is accused of breaking into Equinox Restaurant, Rambla’s Restaurant, Nando’s, KFC, and Netcom, where they allegedly stole items valued at E109 080, including money in cash.

In the first count, it is alleged that the duo broke and entered into Equinox Restaurant and stole items valued at E38 685, the property was in the lawful possession of Colile Matsebula. The stolen items included different brands of alcohol, cellphones and money in cash, all totaling E38 685. The duo is said to have proceeded to Rambla’s Restaurant, where they allegedly stole items valued at E18 845, the property in the lawful possession of Berry Roberts. The stolen property included a computer sever and three cellphones, as well as money in cash, amounting to E3 000. The duo is said to have then proceeded to Netcom, where they allegedly stole cellphones and money in cash totaling to E27 200. At Nando’s, the duo is said to have stolen money in cash amounting to E7 400 and a tablet control unit, valued at E1 500. The Crown applied that the duo be remanded in custody until March 3, 2023, pending trial on April 4, 2023.

Meanwhile, in the same court, four men appeared charged with three counts of robberies committed in two shops around Mbabane. They are Thando Dlamini (23) of Hilltop, Majaha Mdluli (23) of Mahwalala Zone 6, Tankiso Mazibuko (19) of Ngwenya and Bhekumusa Vilane (27) of Mahangeni. The charge sheet pointed out that Dlamini, Mdluli and Mazibuko threatened Nkosiyazi Dlamini with a handgun and a bush knife with intent to induce submission to the taking of items valued at E4 200 while at Adiba Supermarket. The shop is situated at Mahwalala.

The trio is also accused of threatening Bethusile Ndwandwe with the handgun and bush knife with intent to induce submission to the taking of items valued at E2 880 while at Mdezane Groceries. The quartet is said to have then proceeded to Emguleni General Dealer, where they allegedly threatened Gcebile Makhanya with a handgun, with intent to induce submission to the taking of items valued at E2 428.

Dlamini and Mdluli are accused of damaging a motor vehicle, Mazda 3, the property of Sinda Magagula. The quartet has been remanded in custody until March 3, 2023, pending committal to the High Court. They were advised to move their bail application at the High Court.

Name of establishment Equinox Restaurant

Netcom

Ramblas Restaurant

Equinox Restaurant

Nandos

KFC

TOTAL

Committed

Amount of stolen items E38 685

E27 200

E18 845

E9 450

E8 900

E6 000

E109 080